Mercedes Maybach S 680 vs Xpeng X9: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the X9 hits 100 km/h in 3.88 s versus 4.53 s for the Maybach S 680. The instant torque of 717 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the X9 leads by 0.65 s and sits roughly 5 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the X9 is doing 173 km/h against 153 km/h for the Maybach S 680. The gap is 0.68 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the X9 crosses the line in 11.34 s versus 12.41 s. The 1.07 s gap represents roughly 56 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. The X9 maxes out at 200 km/h while the Maybach S 680 keeps accelerating towards 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.96 s.

Around 943 metres, both vehicles are level. This is the inversion point: the Maybach S 680 overcomes its launch deficit thanks to a 50 km/h higher top speed.

At 1,000 metres, the Maybach S 680 finishes in 21.93 s versus 22.13 s. The 0.20 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

On paper, the Maybach S 680 combines 612 hp, 900 Nm and 2,365 kg - a clear theoretical edge over the X9. Yet the X9 launches quicker. At standstill, both motors deliver peak torque from 0 rpm: the decisive factor is no longer raw power, but available grip. If the X9 has a better traction coefficient (tyres, weight distribution, traction control calibration), it puts down more force despite inferior specs - exactly what the simulation reflects, calibrated on manufacturer 0-100 km/h times.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Maybach S 680 is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the X9 at 200 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 6.44 seconds. The 0.65 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.