My 2nd attempt to buy the Model S 90D failed. I could not convince myself yet to buy a MS. I am holding Mercedes E 43 AMG as the benchmark car.
Below is the comparison based on my experience. Model S falls short. I might need a push from you all if I am to buy an MS.
Abbreviation for Merc E class. will be "ME".
Advantages of MS:
Torque: 0-60 for ME is 4.5 sec and MS is 4.2. The instant torque of an EV gives a MUCH better experience and there is no turbo lag.
Autopilot: Tesla will have a better autopilot. ME has some safety features related to Autopilot like auto breaking and lane keeping, but not as good as MS. For convenience and active safety MS is better
Apps: Tesla's mobile app is and other apps built using Tesla's API are much better than Merc.
Interface: I like the screens and touch based interface of MS
Exterior looks: MS looks good. I like the nose and real tail lights.
3 year cost to own: Maintenance cost and depreciation is less for MS.
Disadvantages of MS:
Charging: Note: I don't have home charging. Have to charge at work or in Superchargers. The frequency of charging is high because the rage of a fully charged MS is lesser than a fully fueled ME. Range of MS is just 58% of ME. Charging duration for MS to 80% is 800% slower than fueling ME even by using a super charger. Charging to 100% is 1500% slower than ME. Availability of charging stations are not as good as gas stations. Charging within a destination city is MUCH shower (Only NEMA / Chademo) than superchargers.
Safety Rating: 2017 MS is rated lower than 2016 ME overall in the IIHS website.
Interior Design: The interior design of ME is beautiful and elegant. MS is too bland for my taste. Also no door storage in MS.
Cabin Noise & Ride Quality: Cabin noise in MS is higher than ME. I drove on the same road at the same speed with a sound meter app on my phone. MS was 6 dB louder. ME also had a smoother ride.
Features: Features like ventilated seats not available in MS
Build Quality: Panel gaps, interior finishing and materials choice, trim alignment etc are not very good in MS.
Audio: Premium audio in MS not as punchy and detailed as ME
Price: The price for both cars as configured is: MS - 106,800, ME - 89,155
Overall I think MS scores a bit less than ME. I am willing to wait several months for MS to catch up. Specifically in areas of charging speed, cabin noise and build quality. Hopefully the price comes down when 2170 battery cells are used for MS.
I have both an MB E55 and a S100D (which has essentially the same measurables as a S90D, other than range.. I love my MB E55 and am actually keeping it for trips where charging would be necessary but inconvenient.
That said, have you actually driven the MB E AMG and the S90D. The MB does not hold a candle to the S100D in either performance, handling, driving comfort or just plain fun.
Both the MB E55 (which is faster than the E65) and the S100D are rated at 4.2 seconds for 0-60, but the S100D is much quicker than the MB E55, which has to wait for the superchargers to react and the car to gear down. The power in the MS 100D is instantaneous at all speeds, and the torque is thrilling.
The S100D handles around curves better than the MB E55 because of a lower center of gravity. The E55 is essentially a straight line point A to point B car (unlike the BMW M5).
The feature the S100D has that the MB can't even approach is Enhanced AutoPilot. Even in its current beta state, it is far superior to anything MB has, and EAP will soon be on the way to full self drive. Tesla is light years ahead in autopilot and self drive capability.
As far as exterior appeal goes, the exterior of the S100D is the most stylish and remarkable of any sedans made in the world, far superior IMHO to the E65.
As far as the interior goes, I strongly disagree that the E55 is quieter to drive than the S100D. The engine noise in the E55 is intentionally very loud.
I will give you that the MS 100D interior is more spartan than the E55, but no less comfortable.
The Tesla touch screen and controls are far more user friendly and intuitive than the MB controls.
I expect in the long term, the MB will be more expensive to drive due to the cost of gas and to maintain. Something is always breaking or needs replacing on a MB, and MB service is eyewateringly expensive.
Finally, a S100D can not only go zero to sixty in 4.2 seconds, it can go zero emissions while still outperforming the MB E AMG by every measurable. Do something good for Mother Earth and still get a grin every time you drive your Tesla.