Mercedes S 450 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion W223 vs BMW 740Le iPerformance G11: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 450 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion hits 100 km/h in 5.13 s versus 5.58 s for the 740Le iPerformance. Despite lacking instant torque, 367 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 450 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion leads by 0.46 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S 450 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion is doing 135 km/h against 132 km/h for the 740Le iPerformance. The gap is 0.33 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the S 450 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion crosses the line in 13.33 s versus 13.77 s. The 0.44 s gap represents roughly 20 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the S 450 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 194 km/h versus 186 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S 450 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion finishes in 24.11 s versus 25.05 s, with a 0.94 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the S 450 d 4MATIC Limousine Langversion and the 740Le iPerformance are governed to 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

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 8.68 seconds. The 0.46 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.