DS DS9 E-Tense 250 vs Mercedes E 220 d W214: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the E 220 d hits 100 km/h in 7.59 s versus 8.36 s for the DS9 E-Tense 250. Despite lacking instant torque, 197 hp of power compensates. At this point, the E 220 d leads by 0.77 s and sits roughly 24 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the E 220 d is doing 118 km/h against 121 km/h for the DS9 E-Tense 250. The gap is 0.86 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the E 220 d crosses the line in 15.51 s versus 16.22 s. The 0.70 s gap represents roughly 29 m of track — two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the gap narrows.

At 1,000 metres, the E 220 d finishes in 28.12 s versus 28.57 s, with just 0.45 s to spare. The DS9 E-Tense 250 fails to fully close the launch gap.

Electronically capped at 236 km/h, the E 220 d 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 12.32 seconds. The 0.77 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.