Mercedes S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223 vs Tesla Model S 85: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version hits 100 km/h in 5.13 s versus 5.75 s for the Model S 85. Despite lacking instant torque, 367 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version leads by 0.62 s and sits roughly 18 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version is doing 135 km/h against 137 km/h for the Model S 85. The gap is 0.63 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version crosses the line in 13.33 s versus 13.94 s. The 0.61 s gap represents roughly 28 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 194 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version finishes in 24.11 s versus 25.17 s, with a 1.06 s lead.

The S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version 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 S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 8.41 seconds. The 0.62 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.