Over 0–100 km/h, C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 wins (5,29 s vs 7,04 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
7.04 s
| Measure | C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 | 420d F32 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5.29 s | 7.04 s | 1.75 s · C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 |
| 400 m standing start | 13.55 s | 15.11 s | 1.56 s · C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 |
| 1,000 m standing start | 24.54 s | 27.78 s | 3.24 s · C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 240 km/h | 240 km/h | Same |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5.59 kg/hp | 8.45 kg/hp | better ratio · C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 | 420d F32 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.36 s · tight gap | 1.37 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2.05 s | 2.40 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3.73 s | 4.80 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.29 s | 7.04 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7.11 s | 9.85 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 12.14 s | 18.13 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 19.52 s | 33.30 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13.55 s | 15.11 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 24.54 s | 27.78 s |
| Top speed | 240 km/h | 240 km/h |
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 381 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 650 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 130 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 190 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 605 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | - | |
| Gearbox | Eight-speed Steptronic transmission |
Off the line, the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine hits 100 km/h in 5.29 s versus 7.04 s for the 420d. The instant torque of 650 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine leads by 1.75 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine is doing 135 km/h against 119 km/h for the 420d. The gap is 0.89 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine crosses the line in 13.55 s versus 15.10 s. The 1.55 s gap represents roughly 62 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 191 km/h versus 166 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine finishes in 24.53 s versus 27.77 s, with a 3.24 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (240 vs 240 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine and the 420d are governed to 240 km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.
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 11.60 seconds. The 1.75 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 wins (5,29 s vs 7,04 s).
C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,29 seconds (calibrated simulation).
C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206: 381 hp, ratio 5,59 kg/hp. 420d F32: 190 hp, ratio 8,45 kg/hp.
C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206: 240 km/h. 420d F32: 240 km/h.