Tesla Model S Long Range vs Mercedes CLA 200 Saloon: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model S Long Range hits 100 km/h in 3.22 s versus 8.09 s for the CLA 200 Saloon. The instant torque of 908 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S Long Range leads by 4.88 s and sits roughly 23 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model S Long Range is doing 169 km/h against 116 km/h for the CLA 200 Saloon. The gap is 3.21 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model S Long Range crosses the line in 11.02 s versus 15.93 s. The 4.91 s gap represents roughly 181 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 237 km/h versus 164 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S Long Range finishes in 20.05 s versus 28.73 s, with a 8.68 s lead.

The Model S Long Range features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the CLA 200 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 200 Saloon at 232 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 12.89 seconds. The 4.88 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.