BMW 745Le G11 vs Mercedes S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version hits 100 km/h in 4.86 s versus 5.36 s for the 745Le. Despite lacking instant torque, 381 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version leads by 0.50 s and sits roughly 14 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version is doing 138 km/h against 141 km/h for the 745Le. The gap is 0.48 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version crosses the line in 13.08 s versus 13.47 s. The 0.39 s gap represents roughly 19 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the gap narrows.

At 1,000 metres, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version finishes in 23.76 s versus 23.97 s, with just 0.21 s to spare. The 745Le fails to fully close the launch gap.

On paper, the 745Le combines 394 hp, 600 Nm and 2,045 kg - a clear theoretical edge over the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version. Yet the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version launches quicker. At standstill, both motors deliver peak torque from 0 rpm: the decisive factor is no longer raw power, but available grip. If the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version has a better traction coefficient (tyres, weight distribution, traction control calibration), it puts down more force despite inferior specs - exactly what the simulation reflects, calibrated on manufacturer 0-100 km/h times.

The S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the 745Le’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the 745Le and the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version 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 7.84 seconds. The 0.50 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.