Mercedes S 580 e 4MATIC W223 vs Audi S5 Avant: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S5 Avant hits 100 km/h in 4.53 s versus 4.87 s for the S 580 e 4MATIC. Despite lacking instant torque, 367 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S5 Avant leads by 0.34 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S5 Avant is doing 142 km/h against 144 km/h for the S 580 e 4MATIC. The gap is 0.24 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the S5 Avant crosses the line in 12.83 s versus 12.95 s. The 0.12 s gap represents roughly 6 m of track - barely a car length.

Past 400 metres, the situation changes. Past 400 metres, both rivals hit the same electronic ceiling at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. Neither can claw back ground through top speed - the outcome hinges on the acceleration curve between 100 and 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h.

At 1,000 metres, the S 580 e 4MATIC finishes in 23.10 s versus 23.49 s. The 0.38 s delta shows an extremely tight race.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the S 580 e 4MATIC and the S5 Avant are governed to 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

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 7.15 seconds. The 0.34 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.