Mercedes E 400 e 4MATIC W214 vs Audi S3 Sportback: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S3 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 4.64 s versus 5.31 s for the E 400 e 4MATIC. Despite lacking instant torque, 333 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S3 Sportback leads by 0.67 s and sits roughly 5 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S3 Sportback is doing 139 km/h against 135 km/h for the E 400 e 4MATIC. The gap is 0.31 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the S3 Sportback crosses the line in 13.08 s versus 13.57 s. The 0.48 s gap represents roughly 22 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the S3 Sportback continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 197 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S3 Sportback finishes in 23.72 s versus 24.58 s, with a 0.86 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the E 400 e 4MATIC and the S3 Sportback are governed to 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 8.31 seconds. The 0.67 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.