Mercedes-Benz 300SD beats Tesla Cybertruck in 10,000 km Alaska test

A team of Chinese automotive journalists conducted an extreme 10,000 km endurance test traveling from Florida to Alaska, pitting a modern 2025 Tesla Cybertruck against a 47-year-old Mercedes-Benz 300SD W116.

Despite the Cybertruck's superior speed and newer technology, the electric vehicle faced significant logistical hurdles. The team had to stop for charging 23 times during the first two days, spending approximately 12 hours at charging stations. Challenges were compounded in Canada, where the team lacked a compatible fast-charging adapter and encountered low-power chargers on Route 37 amidst temperatures dropping to -20°C. A breakdown of the Tesla team's support vehicle and an inability to use a 7 kW generator further delayed the Cybertruck.

The vintage Mercedes, purchased for $5,800 with 280,000 km on its odometer, proved more reliable for the long-distance trek. Although it suffered a flat tire due to axle geometry issues and a coolant leak, the crew performed improvised repairs to continue. The Mercedes reached the Canadian border significantly ahead of the Cybertruck, which trailed by approximately 900 km at that stage of the journey.