Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Performance wins (3,36 s vs 4,01 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
3.36 s
| Measure | S 580 4MATIC Limousine W223 | Model 3 Performance | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4.01 s | 3.36 s | 0.65 s · Model 3 Performance |
| 400 m standing start | 12.05 s | 11.58 s | 0.47 s · Model 3 Performance |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21.65 s | 21.36 s | 0.29 s · Model 3 Performance |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 261 km/h | 11 km/h · Model 3 Performance |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4.19 kg/hp | 4.08 kg/hp | better ratio · Model 3 Performance |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | S 580 4MATIC Limousine W223 | Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.04 s | 0.89 s · tight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 1.74 s | 1.49 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2.93 s | 2.47 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.01 s | 3.36 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5.21 s | 4.49 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 8.49 s | 7.86 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 13.08 s | 12.81 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12.05 s | 11.58 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 21.65 s | 21.36 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 261 km/h |
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 537 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 750 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 250 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 450 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 713 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 836 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
Off the line, the Model 3 Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.36 s versus 4.02 s for the S 580 4MATIC Limousine. The instant torque of 713 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 0.65 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 156 km/h against 153 km/h for the S 580 4MATIC Limousine. The gap is 0.45 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Performance crosses the line in 11.57 s versus 12.04 s. The 0.47 s gap represents roughly 25 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the gap narrows. The S 580 4MATIC Limousine maxes out at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h while the Model 3 Performance keeps accelerating towards 261 km/h. At 600 metres, the gap has dropped to 0.43 s.
At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 21.35 s versus 21.65 s, with just 0.30 s to spare. The S 580 4MATIC Limousine fails to fully close the launch gap.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the S 580 4MATIC Limousine is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the Model 3 Performance at 261 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 6.04 seconds. The 0.65 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model 3 Performance wins (3,36 s vs 4,01 s).
S 580 4MATIC Limousine W223 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,01 seconds (calibrated simulation).
S 580 4MATIC Limousine W223: 537 hp, ratio 4,19 kg/hp. Model 3 Performance: 450 hp, ratio 4,08 kg/hp.
S 580 4MATIC Limousine W223: 250 km/h. Model 3 Performance: 261 km/h.