Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Long Range wins (3,21 s vs 4,01 s).
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 Long Range | S 580 4MATIC Limousine W223 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,21 s−0,80 s | 4,01 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,02 s−1,03 s | 12,05 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,06 s−1,59 s | 21,65 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,09 kg/hpbetter ratio | 4,19 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 Long Range | S 580 4MATIC Limousine W223 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,94 s | 1,04 stight gap |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,56 s | 1,74 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,51 s | 2,93 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,21 s | 4,01 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,11 s | 5,21 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 6,58 s | 8,49 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 10,02 s | 13,08 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,02 s | 12,05 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,06 s | 21,65 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 670 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 908 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 069 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 537 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 750 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 250 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
Off the line, the Model S Long Range hits 100 km/h in 3.22 s versus 4.02 s for the S 580 4MATIC Limousine. The instant torque of 908 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S Long Range leads by 0.80 s and sits roughly 5 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model S Long Range is doing 169 km/h against 153 km/h for the S 580 4MATIC Limousine. The gap is 0.67 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 12.04 s. The 1.03 s gap represents roughly 54 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 218 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S Long Range finishes in 20.05 s versus 21.65 s, with a 1.60 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the Model S Long Range and the S 580 4MATIC Limousine are governed to 249 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.
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 6.04 seconds. The 0.80 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model S Long Range wins (3,21 s vs 4,01 s).
Model S Long Range goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,21 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model S Long Range: 670 hp, ratio 3,09 kg/hp. S 580 4MATIC Limousine W223: 537 hp, ratio 4,19 kg/hp.
Model S Long Range: 250 km/h. S 580 4MATIC Limousine W223: 250 km/h.