Over 0–100 km/h, S8 wins (3,83 s vs 4,45 s).
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 | S8 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4,45 s | 3,83 s+0,62 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,55 s | 11,81 s+0,74 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,40 s | 21,27 s+1,13 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4,30 kg/hp | 3,89 kg/hpbetter ratio |
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 | S8 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,36 s | 1,07 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,02 s | 1,78 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,30 s | 2,88 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 4,45 s | 3,83 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 5,85 s | 4,97 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 9,47 s | 7,99 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 14,19 s | 12,24 s |
| 400 m standing start | 12,55 s | 11,81 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 22,40 s | 21,27 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 585 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 750 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 515 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 571 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 800 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 220 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | 8-speed tiptronic |
Off the line, the S8 hits 100 km/h in 3.83 s versus 4.45 s for the S 580 e 4MATIC. Despite lacking instant torque, 571 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S8 leads by 0.62 s and sits roughly 7 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the S8 is doing 157 km/h against 149 km/h for the S 580 e 4MATIC. The gap is 0.51 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the S8 crosses the line in 11.81 s versus 12.54 s. The 0.74 s gap represents roughly 38 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the S8 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 222 km/h versus 212 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S8 finishes in 21.26 s versus 22.40 s, with a 1.13 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the S 580 e 4MATIC and the S8 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 6.56 seconds. The 0.62 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, S8 wins (3,83 s vs 4,45 s).
S 580 e 4MATIC W223 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,45 seconds (calibrated simulation).
S 580 e 4MATIC W223: 585 hp, ratio 4,30 kg/hp. S8: 571 hp, ratio 3,89 kg/hp.
S 580 e 4MATIC W223: 250 km/h. S8: 250 km/h.