2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior design, but with significant aerodynamic improvements, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. It was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased height and width. The car's size was imposing, complemented by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 20-inch or 21-inch options, with the 20-inch wheels providing a balanced look. Inside, the S-Class featured a minimalist design centered around a large infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with ambient lighting that included 250 LED elements in 64 colors. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim were standard, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2022 Acura TLX had a wide and long stance, making it appear larger than its class competitors. It was notably wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a design that included thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes. The Type S variant added unique features like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, Performance Red Pearl, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. The TLX's interior was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian lounge vibe in upper trims. The Type S featured faux-suede inserts, red stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with real metal shift paddles. The TLX's daring color options set it apart from competitors like Audi and Lexus.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the S500 4Matic, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the S580 4Matic, delivering 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for short bursts. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds, with both models electronically limited to a top speed of 130 mph. The S-Class came with standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control suspension system. Rear-wheel steering was also available, reducing the turning circle by seven feet. The S580 provided a fast and comfortable ride, with precise steering and well-controlled body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option to upgrade to Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for $2000. The Type S variant came with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, generating 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The TLX's SH-AWD system improved stability and handling precision by varying torque at the rear wheels. The Type S excelled on the track, with a double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Pirelli P Zero summer tires. The engine's broad torque and minimal turbo lag made for an engaging driving experience, though the exhaust note was subdued. The regular TLX was more softly sprung, offering a comfortable ride but lacking the sportiness of the Type S. Fuel economy for the Type S was 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 S-Class offered more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor, with segment-leading shoulder room. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though it remained less than other luxury sedans. The front seats featured 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with tiny pillows on the head restraints. The center console provided ample storage, including a wireless phone charger and cupholders. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console with cupholders and climate controls, with the optional Executive Line package adding power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2022 TLX, despite its large exterior, had a tight interior for four passengers. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with the Type S featuring thigh extensions and adjustable side bolsters. The driving position was low, with well-marked controls. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it was not a traditional touchscreen. Trunk space was 13.5 cubic feet, less than a Honda Civic, and the double-wishbone suspension took up additional space.

The 2021 S-Class came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six USB ports. An optional 30-speaker Burmester audio system and rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens were available. The updated MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. The S-Class also featured an augmented-reality head-up display and biometric or facial recognition for personal profiles. However, the digital instrument cluster's small touchpads and the ambient lighting's reactive features were less impressive.

The 2022 TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, though some typefaces were too small to read. The head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions from the steering wheel. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and 12-way heated front seats. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation and included standard features like LED headlights and a garage door opener. The AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance features provided semi-automated control on marked highways.

The 2021 S-Class had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included numerous safety features, such as a rear-passenger airbag, adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, traffic-sign recognition, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. Mercedes claimed improvements in these features, with better traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2022 TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, a unique passenger airbag, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were included in the Technology Package and higher trims.