Tesla Model 3 Performance vs Mercedes CLA 180 Saloon: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model 3 Performance hits 100 km/h in 3.36 s versus 8.89 s for the CLA 180 Saloon. The instant torque of 713 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model 3 Performance leads by 5.53 s and sits roughly 25 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model 3 Performance is doing 156 km/h against 111 km/h for the CLA 180 Saloon. The gap is 3.23 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model 3 Performance crosses the line in 11.57 s versus 16.44 s. The 4.87 s gap represents roughly 172 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model 3 Performance continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 215 km/h versus 155 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model 3 Performance finishes in 21.35 s versus 29.94 s, with a 8.59 s lead.

The Model 3 Performance features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the CLA 180 Saloon’s FWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model 3 Performance is capped at 261 km/h, the CLA 180 Saloon at 218 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 14.63 seconds. The 5.53 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.