Mercedes AMG S 63 E Performance W223 vs BMW M5 Competition F90: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the AMG S 63 E Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.27 s versus 3.34 s for the Bmw M5 Competition. The instant torque of 1,430 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.07 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the AMG S 63 E Performance is doing 165 km/h against 166 km/h for the Bmw M5 Competition. The gap is 0.00 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the AMG S 63 E Performance crosses the line in 11.12 s versus 11.16 s. The 0.04 s gap represents roughly 2 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the AMG S 63 E Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 241 km/h versus 232 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the AMG S 63 E Performance finishes in 20.09 s versus 20.32 s, with a 0.23 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the AMG S 63 E Performance and the Bmw M5 Competition 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 4.89 seconds. The 0.07 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.