Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD vs Mercedes S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 4.44 s versus 5.47 s for the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version. The instant torque of 605 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range AWD leads by 1.03 s and sits roughly 3 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD is doing 143 km/h against 131 km/h for the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version. The gap is 0.53 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range AWD crosses the line in 12.80 s versus 13.68 s. The 0.88 s gap represents roughly 40 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 196 km/h versus 185 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range AWD finishes in 23.49 s versus 24.99 s, with a 1.50 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version never recovers its launch deficit.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Long Range AWD is capped at 233 km/h, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version at 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 8.74 seconds. The 1.03 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.