Tesla Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD vs Mercedes G 450 d W463: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD hits 100 km/h in 4.55 s versus 5.83 s for the G 450 d. The instant torque of 588 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. At this point, the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD leads by 1.29 s and sits roughly 3 m ahead.

At 200 metres, the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD is doing 145 km/h against 128 km/h for the G 450 d. The gap is 0.70 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.

At 400 metres standing start, the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD crosses the line in 12.83 s versus 14.11 s. The 1.28 s gap represents roughly 55 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.

Past 400 metres, the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 199 km/h versus 174 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD finishes in 23.43 s versus 26.22 s, with a 2.80 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (217 vs 210 km/h), preventing any comeback.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD is capped at 217 km/h, the G 450 d at 210 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.

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 9.41 seconds. The 1.29 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.