2022 Acura TLX vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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 front bumper with V-shaped curves, giving it a substantial yet fuss-free appearance. The Type S variant added exclusive colors like Tiger Eye Pearl and Performance Red Pearl, along with 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. The interior, though snug, impressed with its detailing, including a narrow center console and 27 lighting colors in upper trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, particularly the S 580e plug-in hybrid, exuded calm sophistication with clean lines and optional high-gloss black trim. The interior offered eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with our tester featuring Sienna Brown and Black leather. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish were highlights, along with ridiculously soft headrests. The S-Class also included a plethora of standard features like massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, power sunshades, and ambient lighting with 64 colors. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience.

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.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, offering 56 miles of all-electric range. The combined output was 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds. The S 580e achieved an impressive 53.9 mpg during testing, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The air suspension provided a cloud-like ride, and rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability. The brake regeneration system allowed for customizable driving experiences.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, 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 climate control was straightforward, and the pushbutton gear selector required developing new muscle memory.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, power sunshades, and soft-closing doors. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors, and the Energizing Comfort wellness program combined various interior features for a unique experience. The trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet in the S 580e, but the standard S-Class offered 12.9 cubic feet. The center armrest provided ample storage, and the interior had plenty of small cubbies for smaller items.

The 2022 Acura TLX had a simple and quick infotainment interface, but the typefaces were often 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 "Jewel Eye" LED headlights and a full suite of driver assistance features.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen center display with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The natural-language AI assistant was effective, and the augmented reality navigation system was particularly useful. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and USB-C ports. The standard Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality.

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 in the Technology Package and higher trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist were additional features. The S-Class had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.