2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. This range of options was unparalleled in the market. The E350 sedan featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants came with a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine equipped with EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, but 4Matic all-wheel drive was also available. For driving enthusiasts, the AMG-tuned E-Class models, such as the AMG E53, offered a more powerful version of the E450’s engine.

In 2022, the AMG E53 Cabriolet was evaluated, featuring a base price of $85,400, which could escalate to nearly $110,000 with options like matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. The car's design was modern and luxurious, with AMG styling, larger wheels, a convertible top, and a matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the high-end spec included bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather, making it a true luxury vehicle.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, continued to impress with trims like the S 500, S 580, Maybach S 580, and Maybach S 680. The 2023 model introduced the S 580e plug-in hybrid with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, a 28.6-kWh battery, and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The exterior featured clean lines and optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and side skirts, adding a touch of sportiness.

Inside, the S-Class offered eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials. The Sienna Brown and Black leather in the test model cost an extra $3,110. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish were complemented by ridiculously soft headrests, making it a luxurious ride. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls to enhance the driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided robust throttle response across a wide rev range, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured power was efficiently delivered to the pavement. The AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed drivers to tailor the car's character to their preferences.

The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, enhanced its driving dynamics. The car excelled as both a quiet cruiser and a spirited performer, with the ability to handle twisty roads with confidence. The convertible top could be raised or lowered in less than 20 seconds, making it suitable for various weather conditions.

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 battery could be charged at 11 kW, filling up in about two hours and 20 minutes at a cost of $8.93. DC fast charging at 60 kW was also available. The S 580e achieved an impressive 53.9 MPGe during testing, with 223 miles driven on electric power alone.

The combined power output of 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowed the S 580e to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's air suspension provided a smooth ride, while rear-wheel steering improved maneuverability. The hybrid mode offered seamless transitions between electric and gas power, with the nine-speed transmission delivering smooth gear shifts.

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 when the top was down. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and available rapid-heating front seats and heated armrests. The Airscarf neck-warming system and sun-reflective leather added to the comfort.

The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet, while multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system enhanced long drives. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, but this reduced to about half with the top down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers. The heated steering wheel and armrests added to the comfort. Power sunshades on the rear and side-rear windows, soft-closing doors, and 64-color ambient lighting created a luxurious environment.

The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined various interior features to boost mood and spirit. The center armrest provided ample storage space, but the trunk's 8.1 cubic feet of cargo space was limited. The standard S-Class offered 12.9 cubic feet, while the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid provided over 14 cubic feet.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens—a touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The system was user-friendly, with swipe and scroll functions on the steering wheel buttons. Interaction options included the touchscreen, physical controls, digital voice assistant, and touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The test car also had a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen center display with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The home screen featured a large map, with customizable tiles and games for entertainment. The natural-language AI assistant responded to voice commands, and the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The augmented reality navigation system and optional large color head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The stoplight view feature, wireless charging, and USB-C ports added to the convenience. The standard Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality.

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 also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound prepared the cabin and occupants for a collision and protected hearing. Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were also standard. The extra-cost Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, 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 assistance, with automatic lane changes. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the safety. The S-Class had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.