Over 0–100 km/h, SQ5 Sportback wins (4,42 s vs 4,87 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | S 580 e 4MATIC W223 | SQ5 Sportback | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4.87 s | 4.42 s | 0.45 s · SQ5 Sportback |
| 400 m standing start | 12.96 s | 12.76 s | 0.20 s · SQ5 Sportback |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23.11 s | 23.50 s | 0.39 s · S 580 e 4MATIC W223 |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h | Same |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4.84 kg/hp | 5.56 kg/hp | better ratio · S 580 e 4MATIC W223 |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | S 580 e 4MATIC W223 | SQ5 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1.38 s | 1.06 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2.17 s | 1.78 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3.58 s | 3.15 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.87 s | 4.42 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 6.33 s | 6.02 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 10.27 s | 10.50 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 15.71 s | 17.55 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12.96 s | 12.76 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23.11 s | 23.50 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 250 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 | 510 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 750 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 470 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 367 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 550 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 040 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic |
Off the line, the SQ5 Sportback hits 100 km/h in 4.42 s versus 4.87 s for the S 580 e 4MATIC. Despite lacking instant torque, 367 hp of power compensates. At this point, the SQ5 Sportback leads by 0.45 s and sits roughly 9 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the SQ5 Sportback is doing 142 km/h against 144 km/h for the S 580 e 4MATIC. The gap is 0.32 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the SQ5 Sportback crosses the line in 12.76 s versus 12.95 s. The 0.20 s gap represents roughly 10 m of track - two to three car lengths.
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 23.50 s. The 0.40 s delta shows an extremely tight race.
Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the S 580 e 4MATIC and the SQ5 Sportback 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 0.45 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, SQ5 Sportback wins (4,42 s vs 4,87 s).
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. SQ5 Sportback: 367 hp, ratio 5,56 kg/hp.
S 580 e 4MATIC W223: 250 km/h. SQ5 Sportback: 250 km/h.