It’s clear that there is a winner.
This is an interesting challenge. What does the new S Class base model (at least the one that’s currently available in the US) compare to an older Tesla Model S 100D? This video features the new S 500. CarWow. The model is A turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-Six engine with Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild hybrid tech. It produces 429 horsepower (320 Kilowatts) as well as 384 pound-feet (502 Newton-meters). The S 580 is also available in the US. It uses a twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 with EQ Boost and makes 469 hp (355 kW) as well as 516 lb (700 Nm).
A dyno video shows that the Model S P100D produces 588.79 hp (439.06 kW), and 920.38 lb-1,248 Nm at its wheels. This gives it a significant advantage in this race.
The first race sees the two sedans team up for a quarter-mile drag racing race. The Tesla wins with 12.2 seconds. Mercedes takes 13.6 seconds.
Then they attempt a rolling race at 30 miles an hour (or 48 kilometers per hour). The Model S drives away from the S-Class yet again. Mercedes cannot keep up.
They ran the race again from 80 mph (129 km/h) to give the S-Class an opportunity. Although the Model S is still in first place, it’s not as dominant as last year. At least, the Mercedes keeps Tesla in its sights.
Finally, the braking test is performed at 70 mph (113 km/h). Although the S-Class wins, it is not an overwhelming win. The Mercedes leads by just a few feet as the nose of the S 500 is in line with that of the Model S’ B pillar.
The Mercedes sedan cannot keep up with Tesla’s speed until the AMG versions go on sale. A Model S Plaid will still have an edge even if that happens.