Over 0–100 km/h, Model S 85 wins (5,75 s vs 7,01 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.
| Model S 85 | CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,75 s−1,26 s | 7,01 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,94 s−1,12 s | 15,06 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,17 s−2,32 s | 27,49 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 201 km/h | 237 km/h−36 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 5,82 kg/hpbetter ratio | 8,39 kg/hp |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
Simulated performance at each stage. Winner in green.
| Palier | Model S 85 | CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,67 s | 1,36 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,78 s | 2,42 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 4,46 s | 4,79 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,75 s | 7,01 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 7,39 s | 9,70 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 12,43 s | 17,36 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 20,22 s | 29,85 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,94 s | 15,06 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 25,17 s | 27,49 s |
| Top speed | 201 km/h | 237 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 362 hp | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 599 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 108 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 211 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 380 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 770 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
Off the line, the Model S 85 hits 100 km/h in 5.75 s versus 7.01 s for the CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon. The instant torque of 599 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon is 1 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.
At 200 metres, the Model S 85 is doing 137 km/h against 120 km/h for the CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon. The gap is 0.46 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model S 85 crosses the line in 13.94 s versus 15.05 s. The 1.11 s gap represents roughly 45 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model S 85 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 168 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 27.48 s, with a 2.32 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (237 km/h), the CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon never recovers its launch deficit.
The CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Model S 85’s RWD. 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 S 85 is capped at 201 km/h, the CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon 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 11.40 seconds. The 1.26 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model S 85 wins (5,75 s vs 7,01 s).
Model S 85 goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,75 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model S 85: 362 hp, ratio 5,82 kg/hp. CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon: 211 hp, ratio 8,39 kg/hp.
Model S 85: 201 km/h. CLA 220 4MATIC Saloon: 237 km/h.