Mercedes S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223 vs Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version hits 100 km/h in 4.45 s versus 5.05 s for the Model Y Long Range AWD. Despite lacking instant torque, 449 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version leads by 0.60 s and sits roughly 14 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version is doing 145 km/h against 143 km/h for the Model Y Long Range AWD. The gap is 0.55 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version crosses the line in 12.59 s versus 13.27 s. The 0.68 s gap represents roughly 33 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 197 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version finishes in 22.69 s versus 23.97 s, with a 1.28 s lead.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model Y Long Range AWD at 217 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 7.41 seconds. The 0.60 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.