2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan in a competitive class. It featured an assertive stance with a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, designed to look like it exploded from the Acura logo, and the jewel-eye LED headlights gave it a bold face. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes and top-notch paint quality added to its premium look. Inside, the TLX showcased high-quality materials and a well-thought-out design. The driver’s position was aptly described as a “sport sedan cockpit,” with different functions clustered together and authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was neatly mounted, appearing to float above the dash intentionally.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic look from the previous year’s complete makeover. The S-Class, rooted in a long history dating back to the 1954 “Ponton” models, represented the seventh generation of production. The exterior was sleek, with a long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, adding elegance. The proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament expressed its lineage. Inside, the S-Class dashboard featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the center stack. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was separate, allowing the displays to occupy different planes. The cabin was dressed in high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a drive-by-wire throttle system and a shift-by-wire connection to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available on all models. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models, and 21/29/24 combined for AWD. The TLX offered distinct driving personalities through its Integrated Dynamics System, with modes like Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX felt solid and balanced, with 50% greater global torsional stiffness and up to 100% greater rigidity at the suspension mounts. During a test drive in Michigan, the TLX performed with an eager, sprightly character and inspiring handling, especially in Sport mode.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, specifically the S500 model, came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, supplemented by the EQ Boost system. This system added up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque during high demand. The S580 model featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with the same EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD. The S500 and S580, weighing 4,740 and 4,775 pounds respectively, were quick off the line, with the S500 reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class handled smoothly and predictably, with powerful braking. The S500 delivered up to 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the S580 was rated at 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.

The 2021 Acura TLX’s shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined gear selector mechanism, freeing up space in the center console. The transmission was engaged via a control panel in the center stack, modeled after the NSX controls. The center console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and two big cupholders. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front seats were supportive sport bucket seats with 12-way power adjustability and available perforated Milano leather. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet trunk with a 47.6-inch-wide opening and 42.4 inches of depth.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a roomy and comfortable cabin with ample storage and cargo space. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided lushly carpeted storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. The driver and front passenger had standard raid-heating and ventilating active multicontour seats with massage and memory functions. The Luxury Line added a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and rear-seat heating. The Executive Line, exclusive to the S580, upgraded the rear seats to active multicontour with headrests, occupant restraint protection, and neck and shoulder heating. The MBUX high-end rear-seat entertainment system included two 11.6-inch touchscreens. The S-Class doors opened wide, but the soft-close feature prevented slamming.

The 2021 Acura TLX was loaded with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX offered multiple ambient interior lighting themes and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display, a G-Meter, and a Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system, offering rich black levels and lower energy consumption. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest. The standard augmented video for navigation and the available augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The audio experience was first-rate, with a standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and an available Burmester 4D Surround system. The EQ Boost system and available rear-axle steering added to the S-Class’s technological marvels.

The 2021 Acura TLX came 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, ultra-high-strength steel front door stiffener rings, airbags, adjustable head restraints, three-point seatbelts, LATCH connectors, ABS, vehicle stability assist, auto-high beam headlights, and a multi-angle rear-view camera. New for 2021 were a next-generation front-passenger airbag, passenger knee airbag, pedestrian sensing, autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. Available safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with standard and available safety and advanced driver assistance systems. Significant features included Magic Vision Control, active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist, Pre-Safe Plus, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side. The S-Class also featured car-to-x communication, rear-passenger airbags, rear-seat belt bag, and easy adjust headrests with occupant restraint protection.