We know that the P85D Model S is ‘almost’ the undisputed quarter mile champ of both highway racing and drag strip racing – just make sure not to go beyond the 1/4 mile or else…
When you’re at a weight disadvantage and and a gears disadvantage, you better hope to keep any type of competent challengers off you if they’re interested in racing you at high speeds.
Sure, you may have 691 HP but those aren’t the same 691 HP you’d find in a regular supercar. What you do have in the P85D is instant acceleration, and you can see what that looks like as it just leaves the AMG GT S behind as if the Merc was standing still.
After about 10 seconds though, the AMG GT S blasts past the Tesla as if the roles were reversed. They call it ‘Insane mode’ for a reason. First, because it’s literally insane to think that this particular car could get off the line with this much force. And second (and we’re making this up), because it’s insane to think you could keep that momentum going in your favor against proper supercars.
Still, the Model S P85D is a formidable foe when you’ve got a finish line that’s a 1/4 mile away or closer.
Having said that, we were also impressed by the Mercedes, because we didn’t really expect it to bounce back the way it did and catch up to the Tesla so convincingly.
It just shows you that you can do a whole lot with “just” 510 HP if you’ve got an excellent all-round car such as the Mercedes-AMG GT S.