2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The hybrid powertrain added a $1,600 premium, except for the Touring trim, where it represented a $460 savings. The Accord Hybrid was never available with the Sport trim. The Accord was praised for its excellent proportions, stance, style, and detailing, making it one of the best-looking Hondas. Minor front styling changes for 2021 included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim received new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new paint color, Sonic Gray Pearl. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, featured a dark undertone that avoided the typical drab brightness of silver metallic paint. The new wheels looked great but were difficult to clean due to the gloss black inserts.

Inside, the Accord's cabin looked remarkably upscale, with lower panels made of plastic that didn't feel cheap. The simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents added to the classy feel. However, the hard plastic upper rear door trim was a disappointment. The controls were logically arranged and easy to use, with both a volume knob and a tuning knob for the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Outward visibility was excellent, and the driver could see plenty of the sculpted hood, making parking and maneuvering easier.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class looked fantastic, continuing the design from the previous year's complete makeover. Despite the rise of SUVs, the S-Class remained a testament to the enduring appeal of sedans. The S-Class lineage dates back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, with the current seventh-generation W223 model continuing the tradition. The S-Class has always been Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, with no plans for additional body styles this year, just the S500 and S580 sedans. The exterior was sleek, with a long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, adding to its elegance. The proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament were tastefully integrated.

The S-Class dashboard featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the center stack. A separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel allowed for distinct functions. The cabin was dressed in high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, providing a luxurious and comfortable environment.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system pairing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Instead of a traditional CVT, the generator/starter motor served as an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The combined output was 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with torque available immediately and remaining constant up to 2,000 rpm. Honda estimated a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds and a combined fuel economy of 48 mpg for most trims, with the Touring trim rated at 43 mpg due to its larger wheels and tires.

The powertrain control module determined the appropriate operational mode: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, or Engine Drive. Drivers could also select EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport Mode to tailor the drivetrain characteristics. For 2021, Honda refined the powertrain for improved throttle response and a more natural sound and feel during acceleration. The Accord Hybrid Touring averaged 42.8 mpg, matching the EPA rating. The 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tires provided excellent grip and handling, with a suspension tuned for athletic handling and a compliant ride. The brake-by-wire regenerative braking system offered excellent feel, modulation, and response. The Accord Hybrid was fun to drive, except when navigating speed humps, which required a slow approach.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500 test vehicle came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid gasoline-electric engine, supplemented by the EQ Boost system. This system added up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque to the engine's 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 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 weighed 4,740 and 4,775 pounds, respectively, but were quick off the line, with the S500 reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. Handling was flat and predictable, with powerful and immediate braking.

The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, suitable for both commuting and weekend pleasure driving. The S500 delivered up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 was rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined. With a 22.2-gallon fuel tank, the S-Class required infrequent refueling.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid offered impressive interior space, competing as a midsize sedan but providing full-size sedan roominess. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and enormous back seat provided excellent leg support. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with a wireless smartphone charger, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's 16.7 cubic-foot trunk was the same size as other Accords and larger than any competitor in the segment. The trunk was deep enough to store full-size suitcases on their sides, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats expanded the car's utility.

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 ample storage with lush carpeting. The cabin featured six USB-C ports, a 115-volt power supply, and standard raid-heating and ventilating active multicontour seats with massage, memory, lumbar support, and comfort headrests for the driver and front passenger. The Luxury Line added a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear armrests, rear-seat heating, electronic rear seats with memory, and the "Energizing Comfort" system. The Executive Line, exclusive to the S580, upgraded the rear seats to active multicontour with headrests, occupant restraint protection, and neck and shoulder heating, along with the MBUX high-end rear-seat entertainment system.

The S-Class's doors opened wide, making it difficult for tall passengers to reach and close them, but the soft-close feature prevented door slamming. Mercedes-Benz's basic and powertrain warranty covered the 2022 S500 for four years/50,000 miles.

For 2021, Honda made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard on the base Accord Hybrid, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and standard 2.5-amp quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers. Wireless smartphone charging was standard with EX trim and higher. The EX-L trim included a premium sound system, while the Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system worked well, but voice commands required specific prompts and pathways, making it difficult to locate the closest hospital.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the latest MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy consumption. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable visual themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest, while the standard augmented video for navigation superimposed arrows or house numbers over the video of the surroundings. The available augmented reality head-up display projected these instructions onto the windshield. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system provided high-fidelity sound, with an available Burmester 4D Surround system adding headrest speakers and enhancements.

The S-Class's powertrain and chassis featured the EQ Boost system and an available rear-axle steering system, improving maneuverability with up to 10 degrees of steering angle on the rear axle, reducing the turning radius to less than 36 feet.

In 2020, the Honda Accord did not receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS due to its headlights. For 2021, Honda redesigned the LED headlights and made them standard on all trims, aiming to achieve the Top Safety Pick+ rating. The 2021 Accord Hybrid included a standard rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system, with the Touring model gaining low-speed braking control. The Honda Sensing collection of ADAS featured refinements to adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, with a new button on the dashboard for easier access to the settings. However, the system remained intrusive, and the lane departure warning should have been a steering wheel vibration instead of a wobble. The low-speed automatic braking system needed recalibration, as it was overly sensitive with a full payload.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with standard and available safety and ADAS features, including Magic Vision Control, which adjusted windshield spray based on various factors. Driver assistance features included active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist with Parktronic, Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side. The S-Class also featured car-to-x communication, sharing warning messages about road conditions. For executives, the S-Class offered available rear-passenger airbags, rear-seat belt bag, and easy adjust headrests with occupant restraint protection.