DS DS9 E-Tense 250 vs Audi A5 Avant: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the A5 Avant hits 100 km/h in 7.73 s versus 8.36 s for the DS9 E-Tense 250. Despite lacking instant torque, 204 hp of power compensates. At this point, the A5 Avant leads by 0.63 s and sits roughly 22 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the A5 Avant is doing 117 km/h against 121 km/h for the DS9 E-Tense 250. The gap is 0.76 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the A5 Avant crosses the line in 15.68 s versus 16.22 s. The 0.54 s gap represents roughly 23 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The DS9 E-Tense 250 maxes out at 235 km/h while the A5 Avant keeps accelerating towards 240 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.30 s.

Around 934 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the DS9 E-Tense 250 overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 5 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the DS9 E-Tense 250 finishes in 28.57 s versus 28.61 s. The 0.05 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

Electronically capped at 240 km/h, the A5 Avant never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor - it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

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 12.40 seconds. The 0.63 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.