Mercedes S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223 vs DS DS9 E-Tense 250: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version hits 100 km/h in 4.45 s versus 8.36 s for the DS9 E-Tense 250. Despite lacking instant torque, 449 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version leads by 3.91 s and sits roughly 36 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version is doing 145 km/h against 121 km/h for the DS9 E-Tense 250. The gap is 2.76 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version crosses the line in 12.59 s versus 16.22 s. The 3.63 s gap represents roughly 143 m of track — a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 207 km/h versus 170 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version finishes in 22.69 s versus 28.57 s, with a 5.88 s lead.

Electronically capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph — industry threshold) km/h, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version never reaches its natural aerodynamic ceiling in this duel. That’s not a physical limit of the motor — it’s a deliberate manufacturer decision, typically tied to standard-fit tyre ratings or model-range positioning.

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 12.32 seconds. The 3.91 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.