2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous unremarkable appearance for a striking new look. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. This redesign gave the Elantra a unique personality, with distinctive creases and folds on the doors forming a "Z" shape, setting it apart from its competitors. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average feel for the compact car class, despite some hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continued to exude calm sophistication with its clean lines and sculpted front end. The S 580e trim, in particular, featured high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style front and rear bumpers, adding a touch of sportiness to its otherwise luxurious appearance. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of eight sumptuous leather upholstery colors and five different trim materials, with our tester showcasing Sienna Brown and Black leather. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish, including ridiculously soft headrests, contributed to the overall luxurious experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e paired a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, providing 56 miles of all-electric range. The combined power output was 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. The S 580e could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds. The car featured a buttery soft air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a smooth transition between electric and gas power in Hybrid mode. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered seamless gear shifts, although there was a slight jerk when downshifting into first gear at lights.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra was designed for practicality and ease of use. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the instrumentation and controls were clearly marked and user-friendly. The Elantra offered comfortable seating and excellent outward visibility. Despite its compact size, the rear seat could accommodate three children comfortably, although taller adults might find the sloped roofline limiting headroom. The trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, adequate for a compact sedan, although the narrow trunk opening posed a challenge for larger items. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof had a noticeable droning noise when fully open, and the lack of USB ports and rear air conditioning vents were minor inconveniences.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers. The car also featured a heated steering wheel and armrests, power sunshades, and soft-closing doors. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors for a customizable experience. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined interior lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. The center armrest provided ample storage space, but the trunk's cargo capacity was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, significantly less than the standard S-Class's 12.9 cubic feet.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with a surprising level of technology for its price. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch display audio touchscreen with a rearview camera, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Limited trims included an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, a fully digital instrument cluster, dynamic voice recognition, and wireless device charging. Hyundai Digital Key was available on select trims, allowing keyless entry and start via an Android-compatible smartphone.

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 system included a natural-language AI assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system with augmented reality. The optional large color head-up display also featured augmented reality. The car offered wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports. The standard Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra came with a comprehensive SmartSense suite of driver-assist technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assist systems, including 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 also included. The S-Class had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.