Mercedes S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223 vs BMW 330e G20: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version hits 100 km/h in 5.47 s versus 5.92 s for the 330e. Despite lacking instant torque, 313 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version leads by 0.45 s and sits roughly 8 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version is doing 131 km/h against 128 km/h for the 330e. The gap is 0.38 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version crosses the line in 13.68 s versus 14.23 s. The 0.55 s gap represents roughly 24 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 185 km/h versus 175 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version finishes in 24.99 s versus 26.25 s, with a 1.26 s lead.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the 330e at 230 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 9.56 seconds. The 0.45 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.