BMW 740e iPerformance G11 vs Mercedes S 350 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion W223: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 350 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion hits 100 km/h in 5.47 s versus 5.49 s for the 740e iPerformance. Despite lacking instant torque, 313 hp of power compensates. The 0.02 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the S 350 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion is doing 131 km/h against 133 km/h for the 740e iPerformance. The gap is 0.08 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the 740e iPerformance crosses the line in 13.68 s versus 13.68 s. The 0.00 s gap represents roughly 0 m of track

Past 400 metres, nothing changes. Same ceiling, same acceleration, same trajectory - both rivals run in formation to the line. The 0.09 s gap at 1,000 metres confirms what the specs already suggested: on track, they’re interchangeable. The real contest happens elsewhere - range, comfort, charging network reliability.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the 740e iPerformance and the S 350 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion are governed to 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 8.74 seconds. The 0.02 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.