Over 0–100 km/h, Model S P85D wins (3,33 s vs 5,75 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 | S 450 e Saloon W223 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 3,33 s−2,42 s | 5,75 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,18 s−2,62 s | 13,80 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,31 s−4,15 s | 24,46 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 3,24 kg/hpbetter ratio | 5,67 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 | S 450 e Saloon W223 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 0,98 s | 1,56 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 1,64 s | 2,59 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 2,62 s | 4,28 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 3,33 s | 5,75 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 4,21 s | 7,42 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 6,80 s | 11,98 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 10,49 s | 18,45 s |
| 400 m standing start | 11,18 s | 13,80 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 20,31 s | 24,46 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 | 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 | 435 hp | 6 cyl |
| Torque | 680 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 465 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Propulsion | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
Off the line, the Model S P85D hits 100 km/h in 3.33 s versus 5.75 s for the S 450 e Saloon. At this point, the Model S P85D leads by 2.42 s and sits roughly 17 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the Model S P85D is doing 167 km/h against 138 km/h for the S 450 e Saloon. The gap is 1.84 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 13.80 s. The 2.62 s gap represents roughly 119 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 197 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model S P85D finishes in 20.31 s versus 24.46 s, with a 4.15 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.
The Model S P85D features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the S 450 e Saloon’s RWD. 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 share the same electronic speed cap: the Model S P85D and the S 450 e Saloon 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.
With two plug-in hybrid powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (3.24 kg/hp vs 5.67 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Unknown).
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 8.38 seconds. The 2.42 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 5,75 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. S 450 e Saloon W223: 435 hp, ratio 5,67 kg/hp.
Model S P85D: 250 km/h. S 450 e Saloon W223: 250 km/h.