Over 0–100 km/h, E 400 e 4MATIC W214 wins (5,30 s vs 7,79 s).
Performance comparison
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
Simulation
Calibration
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
| E 400 e 4MATIC W214 | A5 Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,30 s−2,49 s | 7,79 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,57 s−2,17 s | 15,74 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 24,58 s−4,05 s | 28,63 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h+8 km/h | 242 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,89 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,92 kg/hp |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | E 400 e 4MATIC W214 | A5 Sedan |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,36 s | 1,83 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,06 s | 3,04 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,74 s | 5,46 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,30 s | 7,79 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,13 s | 10,74 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 12,19 s | 19,81 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 19,66 s | 34,87 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,57 s | 15,74 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 24,58 s | 28,63 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 242 km/h |
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 | 2 245 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 204 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 820 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the E 400 e 4MATIC hits 100 km/h in 5.31 s versus 7.79 s for the A5 Sedan. The instant torque of 650 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the E 400 e 4MATIC leads by 2.49 s and sits roughly 21 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the E 400 e 4MATIC is doing 135 km/h against 117 km/h for the A5 Sedan. The gap is 1.44 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the E 400 e 4MATIC crosses the line in 13.57 s versus 15.74 s. The 2.17 s gap represents roughly 84 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the E 400 e 4MATIC continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 162 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the E 400 e 4MATIC finishes in 24.58 s versus 28.62 s, with a 4.05 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 242 km/h), preventing any comeback.
The E 400 e 4MATIC features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the A5 Sedan’s FWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the E 400 e 4MATIC is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the A5 Sedan at 242 km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.
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 12.41 seconds. The 2.49 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Swap one of the two models to explore an equivalent duel in the same segment.
Over 0–100 km/h, E 400 e 4MATIC W214 wins (5,30 s vs 7,79 s).
E 400 e 4MATIC W214 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,30 seconds (calibrated simulation).
E 400 e 4MATIC W214: 381 hp, ratio 5,89 kg/hp. A5 Sedan: 204 hp, ratio 8,92 kg/hp.
E 400 e 4MATIC W214: 250 km/h. A5 Sedan: 242 km/h.