DS DS9 E-Tense 250 vs Mercedes CLA 200 Saloon: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the CLA 200 Saloon hits 100 km/h in 8.09 s versus 8.36 s for the DS9 E-Tense 250. Despite lacking instant torque, 184 hp of power compensates. At this point, the CLA 200 Saloon leads by 0.27 s and sits roughly 17 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the CLA 200 Saloon is doing 116 km/h against 121 km/h for the DS9 E-Tense 250. The gap is 0.53 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the CLA 200 Saloon crosses the line in 15.93 s versus 16.22 s. The 0.29 s gap represents roughly 12 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. Past 400 metres, both rivals hit the same electronic ceiling at 232 km/h. Neither can claw back ground through top speed - the outcome hinges on the acceleration curve between 100 and 232 km/h.

At 1,000 metres, the DS9 E-Tense 250 finishes in 28.57 s versus 28.73 s. The 0.17 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

Electronically capped at 232 km/h, the CLA 200 Saloon 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 12.89 seconds. The 0.27 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.