Tesla Model S 85 vs Mercedes S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version hits 100 km/h in 5.47 s versus 5.75 s for the Model S 85. Despite lacking instant torque, 313 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version leads by 0.28 s and sits roughly 17 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version is doing 131 km/h against 137 km/h for the Model S 85. The gap is 0.44 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version crosses the line in 13.68 s versus 13.94 s. The 0.25 s gap represents roughly 12 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the gap narrows. The Model S 85 maxes out at 201 km/h while the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version keeps accelerating towards 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At 600 metres, the gap is down to 0.13 s from 0.25 s at 400 metres.

At 1,000 metres, the S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version finishes in 24.99 s versus 25.17 s, with just 0.18 s to spare. The Model S 85 fails to fully close the launch gap.

The S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon, long version 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 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 0.28 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.