DS DS9 E-Tense 250 vs Volvo S60 T5 Geartronic: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S60 T5 Geartronic hits 100 km/h in 6.26 s versus 8.36 s for the DS9 E-Tense 250. Despite lacking instant torque, 249 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S60 T5 Geartronic leads by 2.10 s and sits roughly 28 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S60 T5 Geartronic is doing 130 km/h against 121 km/h for the DS9 E-Tense 250. The gap is 1.47 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the S60 T5 Geartronic crosses the line in 14.44 s versus 16.22 s. The 1.78 s gap represents roughly 73 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the S60 T5 Geartronic continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 180 km/h versus 170 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S60 T5 Geartronic finishes in 26.10 s versus 28.57 s, with a 2.46 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (235 vs 245 km/h), preventing any comeback.

Electronically capped at 245 km/h, the S60 T5 Geartronic 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 2.10 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.