2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a versatile offering, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, a variety unmatched by most competitors. The E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, like the AMG E53, offered a more powerful version of the E450’s engine, providing a thrilling driving experience. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its luxurious matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim, was priced at a base of $85,400, but with options, it could reach nearly $110,000. This model was designed for those who appreciated luxury and style, with its AMG styling, convertible top, and striking matte-blue paint finish.

Inside, the E-Class Cabriolet was a showcase of luxury, featuring high-resolution digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, and Burmester speaker grilles. The interior exuded opulence, with soft leather and a design that felt both modern and timeless. The car was a blend of elegance and performance, offering a driving experience that was both exhilarating and comfortable.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, particularly in its Touring trim, was a nod to Honda’s legacy, with a test drive that included a nostalgic visit to Accord, N.Y., the backdrop for the original Accord’s U.S. sales brochure. The 2023 model, with its elegant exterior, was often mistaken for a luxury sedan, drawing comparisons to the Audi A7. The Accord’s design was refined, with a sleek exterior, redesigned front grille, and updated LED lighting. It was longer than previous models, with a planted stance and a flowing roofline that tapered to the trunk. Starting at $38,435, the Accord Touring offered seven exterior colors and 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional gloss-black HPD alloys.

Inside, the Accord Hybrid Touring featured a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and standard features like Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior was comfortable, with Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and a black leather interior. The Accord’s cabin was spacious, with generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly compromised by the roofline. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided robust performance across a wide rev range, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was effectively delivered to the road. The E53 Cabriolet featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car excelled as both a comfortable cruiser and a dynamic performer, with AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowing for a tailored driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet was versatile, suitable for three-season, top-down driving, and equipped for winter with its AWD system and heated features.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. While FWD was the only option, the Accord Hybrid offered smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. The suspension provided a balanced ride, absorbing road imperfections without being too firm or soft. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, offering a customizable driving experience. The Accord Hybrid was agile and easy to drive, with a relaxing demeanor in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder its maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, and the focus was on driver and front passenger comfort. Standard features included heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system. Sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats were available for hot weather, and the triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. The multi-contour front seats with massage and Air Balance interior fragrance system added to the luxury experience. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, reduced to about half with the top down.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid’s cabin adopted the layout from Honda’s Civic and CR-V models, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim that concealed the air vents. The infotainment screen was prominently placed, with easy-to-reach controls for temperature and seat settings. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, and the interior felt solid and upscale. The Accord Hybrid now featured a traditional gearshift, replacing the previous button system, and retained a physical volume knob. The front seats were redesigned for better support, providing comfort during long drives. The rear offered generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly limited by the roofline. The trunk was spacious, with 16.7 cubic feet of capacity and a low load floor for easy access.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, known for its complexity and ease of use. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of MBUX, offering high-resolution displays. Interaction was possible via touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, or steering wheel buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. Challenges included navigating the menu structure and accidental activation of the digital assistant, especially with the top down.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital instrument display. The system was intuitive, with easy-to-navigate graphics. The Touring trim included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, “Hey Google” assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also included, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for collisions and protecting hearing. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking. The Driver Assistance Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and emergency stop assist.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with the Honda Sensing suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera and parking sensors. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.