2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Acura TLX

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its assertive stance was highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front featured a bold grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX boasted a "sport sedan cockpit" with authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood, creating a high-quality feel. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, enhancing the car's modern and cohesive interior design.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained a classic exterior design, subtly refined for improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.22. The S-Class was larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased dimensions, giving it a commanding presence. The interior was centered around a prominent infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist design approach. Ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and a choice of 64 colors added a luxurious touch. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim were standard, although the piano-black trim was prone to smudging.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The TLX offered an engaging driving experience with its Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes. The car's adaptive dampers and increased torsional stiffness contributed to its nimble handling and balanced weight distribution.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system providing additional electric assist. The S-Class boasted impressive acceleration, with 0-60 mph times of 4.8 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580. Standard air suspension and rear-wheel steering enhanced ride comfort and maneuverability.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console design, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. The interior offered comfortable sport bucket seats with 12-way power adjustability and available Milano leather. The rear seat accommodated two adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The TLX provided 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a wide trunk opening for easy loading.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered increased front and rear headroom, as well as more rear legroom compared to its predecessor. The interior featured power-adjustable front seats with 19 motors, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The center console included a large storage bin and wireless phone charger. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a spacious console with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control, enhancing rear-seat comfort.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control for optimized performance. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting and the ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system for an immersive audio experience. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a head-up display available in the Advance Package.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. The S-Class included an augmented-reality head-up display and a 30-speaker Burmester audio system. The car allowed for personal profiles with biometric access and rear-seat occupants could send navigation directions to the front screen.

The 2021 Acura TLX came standard with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX also offered rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While not yet tested by IIHS or NHTSA, Acura aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a rear-passenger airbag and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. The S-Class also featured traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Mercedes claimed improvements in these systems, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering performing smoothly and effectively.