Tesla Model S Long Range vs Mercedes S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion W223: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model S Long Range hits 100 km/h in 3.22 s versus 4.04 s for the S 580 4MATIC Limousine Langversion. The instant torque of 908 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model S Long Range leads by 0.82 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 Langversion. The gap is 0.68 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 12.07 s. The 1.05 s gap represents roughly 55 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 217 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S Long Range finishes in 20.05 s versus 21.70 s, with a 1.65 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 Langversion 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 6.07 seconds. The 0.82 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.