Mercedes C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 vs BMW 420d G22: which is truly faster?

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.