Mercedes G 450 d W463 vs Tesla Model S 85: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model S 85 hits 100 km/h in 5.75 s versus 5.83 s for the G 450 d. The instant torque of 599 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.08 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the G 450 d is doing 128 km/h against 137 km/h for the Model S 85. The gap is 0.18 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model S 85 crosses the line in 13.94 s versus 14.11 s. The 0.17 s gap represents roughly 7 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the Model S 85 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 174 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 26.22 s, with a 1.06 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (210 vs 201 km/h), preventing any comeback.

The G 450 d features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Model S 85’s RWD. 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 G 450 d is capped at 210 km/h, the Model S 85 at 201 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 0.08 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.