Over 0–100 km/h, S 580 e 4MATIC W223 and SQ2 are neck and neck (4,87 s vs 4,94 s, no significant gap).
Performance comparison
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
Simulation
Calibration
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
| S 580 e 4MATIC W223 | SQ2 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,87 s−0,07 s | 4,94 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,96 s−0,51 s | 13,47 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,11 s−1,44 s | 24,55 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 257 km/h−7 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4,84 kg/hpbetter ratio | 5,12 kg/hp |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | S 580 e 4MATIC W223 | SQ2 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,38 s | 1,24 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,17 s | 2,07 stight gap |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,58 s | 3,54 stight gap |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,87 s | 4,94 stight gap |
| 0–120 km/h | 6,33 s | 7,19 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 10,27 s | 12,14 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 15,71 s | 19,93 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,96 s | 13,47 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,11 s | 24,55 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 257 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 510 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 750 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 470 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 400 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 535 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the S 580 e 4MATIC hits 100 km/h in 4.87 s versus 4.94 s for the SQ2. The instant torque of 750 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. The 0.07 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.
At 200 metres, the S 580 e 4MATIC is doing 144 km/h against 133 km/h for the SQ2. The gap is 0.17 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.
At 400 metres standing start, the S 580 e 4MATIC crosses the line in 12.95 s versus 13.47 s. The 0.52 s gap represents roughly 24 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the S 580 e 4MATIC continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 206 km/h versus 190 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S 580 e 4MATIC finishes in 23.10 s versus 24.55 s, with a 1.45 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 257 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Electronically capped at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the S 580 e 4MATIC 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 8.36 seconds. The 0.07 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, S 580 e 4MATIC W223 and SQ2 are neck and neck (4,87 s vs 4,94 s, no significant gap).
S 580 e 4MATIC W223 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,87 seconds (calibrated simulation).
S 580 e 4MATIC W223: 510 hp, ratio 4,84 kg/hp. SQ2: 300 hp, ratio 5,12 kg/hp.
S 580 e 4MATIC W223: 250 km/h. SQ2: 257 km/h.