2022 Lexus IS vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. This engine produced 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500 plus a $1,075 destination charge, the IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a thrilling driving experience, blending emotional excitement with daily driving comfort. Despite its higher cost compared to other IS models, the IS 500 F Sport Performance justified its price with premium features like triple-beam headlights, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, following a complete makeover in 2021, continued to impress with its sleek design and luxurious features. The S-Class, rooted in a long history dating back to the 1954 “Ponton” models, represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz’s sedan lineup. The seventh-generation S-Class, code-named “W223,” maintained its flagship status with a sleek exterior and a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, enhancing its elegance. The interior featured high-quality materials, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, providing a visually stunning and technologically advanced cabin.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine, shared with the RC F and LC 500, was paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The IS 500 featured adaptive variable suspension and a Yamaha rear performance damper, ensuring a comfortable ride and stable handling. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Despite its thrilling performance, the IS 500’s fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 17.7 mpg during evaluation, below the EPA rating of 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost system added up to 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque during high-demand situations. The S500 used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. The S580, with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 and the same EQ Boost system, reached 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The S500 offered fuel economy of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 was rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance provided a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The front seats were snug yet supportive, with effective bolstering and a driving position that enhanced control. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, though lacking in smartphone charging options. The climate control system excelled in maintaining a cool cabin, essential in hot climates. However, storage space was limited, with a small 10.8-cubic-foot trunk and a center console touchpad occupying valuable space. The control layout was user-friendly, with clear buttons and knobs complementing the touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and spacious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk for ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. Front seats offered heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings, ensuring long-distance comfort. The Luxury Line added features like a heated steering wheel and rear-seat heating, while the Executive Line (exclusive to the S580) catered to chauffeured passengers with advanced rear-seat amenities. Soft-close doors added a touch of convenience, though their wide opening angle could be challenging for some occupants.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance benefited from a touchscreen infotainment system introduced in 2021, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The dynamic voice command system was highly effective, accurately handling voice queries and commands.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen as the centerpiece of its MBUX infotainment system. The OLED technology provided superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel offered customizable visual themes, with an optional 3D instrument cluster adding depth and visual interest. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display enhanced driving assistance. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and optional Burmester 4D Surround system provided an exceptional audio experience. The EQ Boost system and available rear-axle steering further enhanced the S-Class’s performance and maneuverability.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive suite of safety features. This included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and low-speed automatic braking. While effective in many situations, some features, like the Curve Speed Reduction function and low-speed automatic braking, could be overly aggressive. The IS earned the highest overall rating of “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star rating for frontal-impact collision for the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with an extensive array of safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while active distance assist Distronic, active brake assist, and active lane-keeping assist provided comprehensive driving support. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared road condition warnings. Executive-level safety features included rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags, enhancing protection for all occupants.