Mercedes S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion W223 vs Xpeng P7: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion hits 100 km/h in 4.04 s versus 4.22 s for the P7. Despite lacking instant torque, 537 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion leads by 0.18 s and sits roughly 3 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion is doing 153 km/h against 147 km/h for the P7. The gap is 0.21 s. The gap remains stable from the start.

At 400 metres standing start, the S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion crosses the line in 12.07 s versus 12.54 s. The 0.48 s gap represents roughly 23 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 217 km/h versus 170 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion finishes in 21.70 s versus 25.24 s, with a 3.55 s lead.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion is capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the P7 at 170 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 6.49 seconds. The 0.18 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.