DS9 E-Tense 250 vs Mercedes V 300 d 4MATIC: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the V 300 d 4MATIC hits 100 km/h in 8.32 s versus 8.36 s for the 9 E-Tense 250. Despite lacking instant torque, 245 hp of power compensates. The 0.04 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the V 300 d 4MATIC is doing 114 km/h against 121 km/h for the 9 E-Tense 250. The gap is 0.65 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the V 300 d 4MATIC crosses the line in 16.03 s versus 16.22 s. The 0.19 s gap represents roughly 8 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The V 300 d 4MATIC maxes out at 210 km/h while the 9 E-Tense 250 keeps accelerating towards 235 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.23 s.

Around 487 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the 9 E-Tense 250 overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 25 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the 9 E-Tense 250 finishes in 28.57 s versus 29.55 s. The 0.99 s delta in favour of the 9 E-Tense 250 shows that top speed makes a clear difference.

On paper, the 9 E-Tense 250 combines 253 hp, 520 Nm and 1,900 kg - a clear theoretical edge over the V 300 d 4MATIC. Yet the V 300 d 4MATIC 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 V 300 d 4MATIC 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.

Electronically capped at 217 km/h, the V 300 d 4MATIC 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 14.08 seconds. The 0.04 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.