Tesla Model S Long Range vs Mercedes CLA 180 Saloon: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model S Long Range hits 100 km/h in 3.86 s versus 8.89 s for the CLA 180 Saloon. The instant torque of 660 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S Long Range leads by 5.03 s and sits roughly 20 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model S Long Range is doing 164 km/h against 111 km/h for the CLA 180 Saloon. The gap is 2.95 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model S Long Range crosses the line in 11.60 s versus 16.44 s. The 4.84 s gap represents roughly 171 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model S Long Range continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 231 km/h versus 155 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S Long Range finishes in 20.76 s versus 29.94 s, with a 9.18 s lead.

The Model S Long Range 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 S Long Range is capped at 249 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) 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 5.03 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.