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Tesla Model S 85 vs Mercedes CLA 250+ with EQ technology: which is truly faster?

Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.

grand tourer · 2012 vs 2025 · Methodology
TeslaBEVFaster

Model S 85

362 hp · 599 Nm · 2,108 kg · 2012

VS
MercedesBEV

CLA 250+ with EQ technology

272 hp · 335 Nm · 2,055 kg · 2025

Result · 0–100 km/h

ATesla Model S 85

5.75 s

Gap1.08 sin favour of Model S 85
BMercedes CLA 250+ with EQ technology

6.83 s

Summary · Caralogy simulation
MeasureModel S 85CLA 250+ with EQ technologyGap
0–100 km/h5.75 s6.83 s1.08 s · Model S 85
400 m standing start13.94 s15.00 s1.06 s · Model S 85
1,000 m standing start25.17 s26.90 s1.73 s · Model S 85
Top speed (electronically limited)201 km/h210 km/h9 km/h · CLA 250+ with EQ technology
Power-to-weight ratio5.82 kg/hp7.56 kg/hpbetter ratio · Model S 85

Watch the race

Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.

TeslaBEVModel S 85
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
MercedesBEVCLA 250+ with EQ technology
Speed
0km/h
Timer
0,00s
Distance
0m
100 m
200 m
300 m
400 m
500 m
600 m
700 m
800 m
900 m
1000 m
0m → 1000m
Gap0m

Stage-by-stage comparison

Simulated performance at each stage. Best value in bold.
StageModel S 85CLA 250+ with EQ technology
0–30 km/h1.67 s1.93 s
0–50 km/h2.78 s3.23 s
0–80 km/h4.46 s5.20 s
0–100 km/h5.75 s6.83 s
0–120 km/h7.39 s8.93 s
0–160 km/h12.43 s15.59 s
0–200 km/h20.22 s26.18 s
400 m standing start13.94 s15.00 s
1,000 m standing start25.17 s26.90 s
Top speed201 km/h210 km/h

Parameters and assumptions

Simulation

Start
Standing, straight line
Surface
Dry asphalt, 23°C
Wind
None
Driver
1 person, 75 kg

Calibration

Splits
0–100, 0–200 manufacturer
Power curve
Real measurement (Caralogy)
VMax
Manufacturer limited
Transmission
Losses integrated in model

Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.

Under the bonnet

Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.

Tesla

Model S 85

5,82kg/hpratio better by 1,73 kg/hp
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power362 hpPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Torque599 Nm
Weight2 108 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxSingle-speed fixed gear
Mercedes

CLA 250+ with EQ technology

7,56kg/hpcompensated by −53 kg
CharacteristicValueDetail
Power272 hpPending
Torque335 Nm
Weight2 055 kgmanufacturer kerb weight
DrivetrainPropulsion
GearboxUnknown

The start: 0 to 100 km/h

Off the line, the Model S 85 hits 100 km/h in 5.75 s versus 6.83 s for the CLA 250+ with EQ technology. At this point, the Model S 85 leads by 1.09 s and sits roughly 11 m ahead.

From 100 km/h to 400 metres

At 200 metres, the Model S 85 is doing 137 km/h against 128 km/h for the CLA 250+ with EQ technology. The gap is 0.71 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 15.00 s. The 1.06 s gap represents roughly 45 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Beyond 400 metres: top speed comes into play

Past 400 metres, the Model S 85 continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 190 km/h versus 176 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S 85 finishes in 25.17 s versus 26.90 s, with a 1.73 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (201 vs 210 km/h), preventing any comeback.

What the numbers don’t tell you

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S 85 is capped at 201 km/h, the CLA 250+ with EQ technology at 210 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.

With two electric powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (5.82 kg/hp vs 7.56 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Unknown).

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 10.25 seconds. The 1.09 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.

Compare with other alternatives

Swap one of the two models to explore an equivalent duel in the same segment.

Instead of CLA 250+ with EQ technology
BMW i5 eDrive40

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BMWVSTesla

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MercedesVSRenault

CLA 250+ with EQ technology vs Megane E-Tech Electric 217

Frequently asked questions

Over 0–100 km/h, Model S 85 wins (5,75 s vs 6,83 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 250+ with EQ technology: 272 hp, ratio 7,56 kg/hp.

Model S 85: 201 km/h. CLA 250+ with EQ technology: 210 km/h.