Mercedes G 450 d W463 vs KIA EV6 AWD Long Range: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the EV6 AWD Long Range hits 100 km/h in 5.16 s versus 5.83 s for the G 450 d. The instant torque of 605 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.67 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the EV6 AWD Long Range is doing 135 km/h against 128 km/h for the G 450 d. The gap is 0.27 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the EV6 AWD Long Range crosses the line in 13.61 s versus 14.11 s. The 0.50 s gap represents roughly 22 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the EV6 AWD Long Range continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 183 km/h versus 174 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the EV6 AWD Long Range finishes in 25.54 s versus 26.22 s, with a 0.68 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (210 km/h), the G 450 d never recovers its launch deficit.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the G 450 d is capped at 210 km/h, the EV6 AWD Long Range at 185 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 9.41 seconds. The 0.67 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.