2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX had a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. It was notably wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a track width nearly three inches wider at the rear and almost two inches at the front. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, giving it a substantial yet sleek appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, and four fat exhaust pipes, enhancing its sporty look. Inside, the TLX was snug but well-detailed, with impressive materials and a Scandinavian-inspired design in upper trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class incorporated design elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a cohesive and stylish sedan. The front end resembled the CLA-Class, while the rear was inspired by the S-Class. The cab-rearward proportions emphasized its RWD platform, distinguishing it from the FWD CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to the Digital Light system, which projected warning icons and illuminated construction zones or pedestrians. Inside, the C-Class aimed to mimic the S-Class with a freestanding touchscreen, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles, creating a luxurious and special feel.

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 SH-AWD system, available for an extra $2000, enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque at either rear wheel. The Type S variant boasted a 3.0-liter turbo V6 with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, excelling on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front brakes. Fuel economy for the Type S was 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the regular TLX with SH-AWD achieved 21/29/24 mpg.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The C300 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The sportier AMG C43 variant offered 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0-60 mph time to 4.6 seconds. The C300 4Matic provided a smooth ride quality, though it exhibited some turbo lag and rough shifts. The C-Class handled well on twisty roads, but required a more deliberate approach compared to the best sports sedans.

Despite its large exterior, the 2022 Acura TLX was tight for four passengers inside. The back seat had decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable side bolsters. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet. The TLX's climate control was straightforward, but the touchpad's wonkiness and limited trunk space were drawbacks.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan offered more interior space than its predecessor, with increased headroom and rear-seat legroom. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was near the bottom. The seats were comfortable with good bolstering, and the trunk space was generous at 17.9 cubic feet. The wide trunk opening and 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench added to its practicality, though some dashboard trim produced glare and the wireless charging pad was inconveniently located.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were too small to read. The head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and 12-way heated front seats. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation and included standard driver assistance features like AcuraWatch.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen, angled toward the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Burmester 3D surround-sound system and augmented-reality navigation available on higher trims. The MBUX infotainment system featured a "Zero Layer" setup, allowing multiple items to be displayed on the screen at once. The voice recognition system and touch controls on the steering wheel were user-friendly, and the augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, 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 on the Technology Package and higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, Pre-Safe, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, park assist, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control. The C-Class also offered Car-to-X communication for sharing information between vehicles.