Over 0–100 km/h, S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223 wins (4,45 s vs 5,03 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 X 90D | S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 5,03 s | 4,45 s+0,58 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,07 s | 12,59 s+0,48 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,32 s | 22,69 s+0,63 s |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 249 km/h | 250 km/h−1 km/h |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 4,59 kg/hpbetter ratio | 4,89 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 X 90D | S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 1,49 s | 1,04 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 2,49 s | 1,78 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 3,99 s | 3,16 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5,03 s | 4,45 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 6,30 s | 5,85 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 10,16 s | 9,77 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 15,94 s | 15,18 s |
| 400 m standing start | 13,07 s | 12,59 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 23,32 s | 22,69 s |
| Top speed limited | 249 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 | 532 hp | Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Torque | 967 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 441 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed fixed gear |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 449 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 600 Nm | |
| Weight | 2 195 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Integrale (AWD) | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
Off the line, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version hits 100 km/h in 4.45 s versus 5.03 s for the Model X 90D. Despite lacking instant torque, 449 hp of power compensates. At this point, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version leads by 0.58 s and sits roughly 15 m ahead.
At 200 metres, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version is doing 145 km/h against 147 km/h for the Model X 90D. The gap is 0.51 s. The gap remains stable from the start.
At 400 metres standing start, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version crosses the line in 12.59 s versus 13.07 s. The 0.48 s gap represents roughly 24 m of track - two to three car lengths.
Past 400 metres, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 207 km/h versus 205 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version finishes in 22.69 s versus 23.32 s, with a 0.63 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (249 (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 X 90D and the S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version 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 7.09 seconds. The 0.58 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223 wins (4,45 s vs 5,03 s).
Model X 90D goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,03 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Model X 90D: 532 hp, ratio 4,59 kg/hp. S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223: 449 hp, ratio 4,89 kg/hp.
Model X 90D: 249 km/h. S 500 4MATIC Saloon, long version W223: 250 km/h.