Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD vs Mercedes C 220 d W206: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Long Range RWD hits 100 km/h in 5.72 s versus 7.27 s for the C 220 d. The instant torque of 446 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Long Range RWD leads by 1.55 s and sits roughly 10 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD is doing 131 km/h against 120 km/h for the C 220 d. The gap is 0.78 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Long Range RWD crosses the line in 14.16 s versus 15.28 s. The 1.12 s gap represents roughly 46 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 169 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Long Range RWD finishes in 26.28 s versus 27.67 s, with a 1.39 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (224 vs 237 km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Long Range RWD is capped at 225 km/h, the C 220 d at 237 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 11.48 seconds. The 1.55 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.