The Tesla Model S is a pure electric sedan with superior acceleration (0-60 in 1.99s) and lower operating costs, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a traditional luxury sedan with combustion engines, offering refined German engineering and a more established luxury experience. The choice depends on whether you prioritize electric performance and technology or traditional luxury comfort.
Tesla Model S vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
All-electric luxury sedan with industry-leading acceleration and autonomous driving capabilities.
Premium luxury sedan with twin-turbo engine, refined German engineering, and traditional comfort-focused design.
Powertrain Type. 0-60 Acceleration. EPA-Estimated Range. Starting Price (2026). Annual Fuel/Electricity Cost. Interior Technology. Warranty Coverage
Choose the Tesla Model S if you prioritize cutting-edge electric performance, lower operating costs, and future-proof technology—it's unmatched in acceleration and efficiency. Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you value traditional luxury refinement, superior interior craftsmanship, established dealer networks, and the flexibility of a gas engine for long road trips without charging infrastructure concerns.
Tesla Model S: 405 miles | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 300 miles (gas) / 450 miles (hybrid)
Tesla Model S: 3.1 seconds | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 405 miles | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 12.3 cu ft | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 75 kWh | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 250 kW | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 17 inches vertical | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Supercharger/fast charging network access
Tesla Model S: 50,000+ (global) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 1.99s (Plaid) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: $73,990 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $68,900
Tesla Model S: 27 minutes | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 17-inch horizontal | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 56 cubic feet (frunk + trunk) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 1 (fixed white) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: $73,990 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $59,850
Tesla Model S: $150-300 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $1,200-1,800
Tesla Model S: $2.80 (electricity at $0.165/kWh) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $5.40 (premium at $3.60/gallon)
Tesla Model S: 50,000+ Tesla Superchargers | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 7,500 public chargers (Mercedes partnership)
Tesla Model S: Single 17-inch touchscreen (minimalist) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Dual 12.3-inch displays (traditional layout)
Tesla Model S: Single electric motor (all variants) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 2.0L Turbo (255 hp) or Hybrid (445 hp)
Tesla Model S: 1.99 seconds | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: $73,990 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 50,000+ Superchargers | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 49.7 inches | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 28 cubic feet | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: ~385,000 units/year | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 1-3 months | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 1.99 seconds (Plaid) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 120 MPGe combined | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 8 years / 120,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 17 inches (landscape) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 4,715 lbs (Long Range) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 2.1 seconds | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 405 miles | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: ~380 miles (31 MPG on 18.5 gal tank)
Tesla Model S: 17 inches | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 12.3 inches (dual displays)
Tesla Model S: 50,000+ global stations | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 4,355 lbs | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 8 years / 120k miles battery | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: Rectangular yoke (no stalks) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 1.99 seconds | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 5.1 seconds
Tesla Model S: 52.0 inches | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 15 inches | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 12.3-14.1 inches
Tesla Model S: 2,000,000+ (as of 2026) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: N/A
Tesla Model S: 163 mph (electronically limited) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 155 mph (E350)
Tesla Model S: $600 (electricity) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $1,850 (premium fuel)
Tesla Model S: 516 hp (Dual Motor Long Range) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 369 hp (3.0L Twin-Turbo E350)
Tesla Model S: 8 years / 120k miles | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 4 years / 50k miles
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 255 hp (E350)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 6.2 seconds
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 30 mpg
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 25 MPGe (E580e)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 12.3 inches
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 4 years / 50k miles
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 2.9 turns
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $56,400
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $65,450
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 3.8 sec (AMG E53)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 24 mpg (E350)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 13.1 cu ft
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 12.3-inch (Hyperscreen)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 1,457W Burmester
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 4 years
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 4,945 mm
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 36.4 inches
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 255 hp (2.0L turbo)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 6.1 seconds
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 26 mpg combined
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Level 2+
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 3,615 lbs
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 24/34 (Turbocharged)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 76/100
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 4/50,000
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $680
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 193.8 inches
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: $67,550
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 5.9 sec (E 350)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 24 mpg
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 18.5 cu ft
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: MBUX 2 (2025 generation)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 62%
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 255 hp (E 350)
Tesla Model S: N/A | Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 4 years/50,000 miles
How to choose between Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Compare Tesla Model S vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Tesla Model S vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Tesla Model S vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Contains 90 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Tesla Model S vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Tesla Model S vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
How much will it cost to own each vehicle over 5 years?
Tesla Model S: ~$82,000 total (including electricity @ $600/year, insurance ~$1,600/year, maintenance minimal). Mercedes E-Class: ~$85,000 total (including premium fuel @ $1,850/year, insurance ~$1,550/year, scheduled maintenance ~$1,200/year). The Model S saves approximately $3,000-5,000 over 5 years in fuel and maintenance despite higher purchase price.
Which car is better for long road trips?
Mercedes E-Class has the advantage for traditional road trips due to 5-minute refueling at any gas station. Tesla Model S requires 30-40 minute Supercharger stops every 300+ miles, though the Supercharger network now spans 50,000+ stations globally. Both are viable; choice depends on your comfort with charging infrastructure.
What is the real-world acceleration difference?
Tesla Model S Plaid achieves 0-60 mph in 1.99 seconds (tied for fastest production car), while the E350 takes 5.1 seconds. In daily driving, this 3.1-second difference is noticeable off-the-line but diminishes at highway speeds where both reach 100+ mph effortlessly.
Which has better interior quality and comfort?
Mercedes E-Class offers traditional luxury with hand-stitched leather, ambient lighting, and physical controls that provide tactile feedback. Tesla Model S features a minimalist approach with a 17-inch touchscreen and fewer physical buttons. Mercedes prioritizes classical luxury; Tesla prioritizes technology. Both offer premium comfort—the choice is aesthetic preference.
How reliable are these vehicles based on owner data?
Mercedes E-Class has 50+ years of proven reliability with established dealer networks worldwide and extensive long-term durability data. Tesla Model S has strong 2021-2025 reliability scores (J.D. Power ranks Tesla above industry average for EVs), though long-term data is limited due to newer technology. Both score well in recent surveys, with owner satisfaction around 85-90%.
How to Choose Between Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Powertrain Type: Tesla Model S has All-Electric (Dual Motor AWD), while Mercedes-Benz E-Class has Gasoline/Hybrid (3.0L Turbo + EQ Boost).
0-60 Acceleration: Tesla Model S has 1.99 seconds (Plaid), while Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 5.1 seconds (E350).
EPA-Estimated Range: Tesla Model S has 405 miles (Long Range), while Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 31 MPG combined (E350).
Starting Price (2026): Tesla Model S has $73,990, while Mercedes-Benz E-Class has $68,900.
Annual Fuel/Electricity Cost: Tesla Model S has $600 (electricity), while Mercedes-Benz E-Class has $1,800+ (premium fuel).
Interior Technology: Tesla Model S has 17-inch touchscreen, no buttons, while Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 12.3-inch dual displays + physical controls.
Warranty Coverage: Tesla Model S has 8 years/120k miles (battery), while Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 4 years/50k miles (base).