Mercedes S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223 vs Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 4.44 s versus 4.86 s for the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version. The instant torque of 605 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.42 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD is doing 143 km/h against 138 km/h for the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version. The gap is 0.19 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range AWD crosses the line in 12.80 s versus 13.08 s. The 0.28 s gap represents roughly 14 m of track — two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 196 km/h versus 196 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD finishes in 23.49 s versus 23.76 s, with a 0.27 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (250 (i.e. 155 mph — industry threshold) km/h), the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version never recovers its launch deficit.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the S 450 4MATIC Saloon, long version is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph — industry threshold) km/h, the Model 3 Long Range AWD at 233 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 7.61 seconds. The 0.42 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.