Over 0–100 km/h, Model S P85D wins (3,33 s vs 5,29 s).
Performance comparison
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 P85D | C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,33 s−1,96 s | 5,29 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,18 s−2,37 s | 13,55 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,31 s−4,23 s | 24,54 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h+10 km/h | 240 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,24 kg/hpbetter ratio | 5,59 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 P85D | C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,98 s | 1,36 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,64 s | 2,05 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,62 s | 3,73 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,33 s | 5,29 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,21 s | 7,11 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 6,80 s | 12,14 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 10,49 s | 19,52 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,18 s | 13,55 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,31 s | 24,54 s |
| Top speed limited | 250 km/h | 240 km/h |
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 691 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 931 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 239 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 381 hp | 4 cyl |
| Torque | 650 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 130 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
Off the line, the Model S P85D hits 100 km/h in 3.33 s versus 5.29 s for the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine. At this point, the Model S P85D leads by 1.96 s and sits roughly 12 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model S P85D is doing 167 km/h against 135 km/h for the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine. The gap is 1.51 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Model S P85D crosses the line in 11.17 s versus 13.55 s. The 2.38 s gap represents roughly 107 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Model S P85D continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 232 km/h versus 191 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S P85D finishes in 20.31 s versus 24.53 s, with a 4.22 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (250 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) vs 240 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model S P85D is capped at 249 (i.e. 155 mph - industry threshold) km/h, the C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine at 240 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.
With two plug-in hybrid powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (3.24 kg/hp vs 5.59 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Unknown).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 8.28 seconds. The 1.96 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Model S P85D wins (3,33 s vs 5,29 s).
Model S P85D goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,33 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model S P85D: 691 hp, ratio 3,24 kg/hp. C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206: 381 hp, ratio 5,59 kg/hp.
Model S P85D: 250 km/h. C 400 e 4MATIC Limousine W206: 240 km/h.