Mercedes E 400 e 4MATIC W214 vs Mercedes S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version hits 100 km/h in 4.86 s versus 5.31 s for the E 400 e 4MATIC. Despite lacking instant torque, 381 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version leads by 0.44 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version is doing 138 km/h against 135 km/h for the E 400 e 4MATIC. The gap is 0.36 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version crosses the line in 13.08 s versus 13.57 s. The 0.48 s gap represents roughly 23 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 196 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version finishes in 23.76 s versus 24.58 s, with a 0.82 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 S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version 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 0.44 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.