2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its roots tracing back to a platform from 2005, managed to maintain a modern and menacing exterior design, especially after its significant facelift in 2015. While the exterior updates kept it relevant, the interior felt dated compared to contemporary standards, with thick bezels and chunky controls reminiscent of a small truck. However, the cabin's straightforward layout ensured ease of use, compensating for its lack of cutting-edge aesthetics. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants, each adding unique features and power upgrades.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exuded calm sophistication with its clean lines and optional high-gloss black trim, AMG wheels, and sporty bumpers. The interior was a testament to luxury, offering eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with features like a panoramic sunroof and incredibly soft headrests. The S 580e plug-in hybrid variant, which we tested, combined elegance with modern electrification, providing a serene and comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 292 horsepower in the SXT and GT models, with slight power increases in AWD versions. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivering 485 horsepower. The SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, produced 717 horsepower, and the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushed this further to 797 and 807 horsepower, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat's Widebody setup enhanced handling and traction, making it a well-rounded performance machine.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and electric motor, offering 56 miles of all-electric range. The powertrain delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. The S 580e accelerated from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, matching the performance of the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The S-Class prioritized comfort with its air suspension and rear-wheel steering, providing a smooth and agile ride. The hybrid system seamlessly transitioned between electric and gas power, with customizable brake regeneration settings.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered ample legroom in both rows, though headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The high center console and performance bucket seats created an intimate front-seat experience. Storage space was limited, with a small center console bin and trays. The trunk provided 16.5 cubic feet of space, but its small lid and high bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, offering a usable trunk and four doors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with luxury features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. Ambient lighting with 64 colors added to the opulent atmosphere. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. Storage was ample, but the trunk offered only 8.1 cubic feet of space, less than the standard S-Class's 12.9 cubes. For more cargo room, the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid was a better option.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering larger icons and easier navigation. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology balanced modern features with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system featured a map-centric home screen, natural-language AI assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native navigation system impressed with augmented reality, displaying numerical addresses and directional arrows over video feeds. The system also included wireless charging and USB-C ports, with a standard Burmester sound system for audiophiles.

The 2022 Dodge Charger's standard safety features were limited to a backup camera and rear parking sensors, with optional modern features like forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The grainy backup camera image highlighted the Charger's age in terms of safety technology.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Its hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, with automatic lane changes. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the S-Class's safety credentials. However, it had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.