2022 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic design from the previous year, following a complete makeover in 2021. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to stand out as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its sleek exterior, characterized by a long, elegant profile and a distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille, exuded sophistication. The interior was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and a dashboard that delighted with its open-pore wood trim and dual display setup, offering both a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX presented a bold and substantial appearance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. Its wide stance and extended dimensions, including a nine-inch longer body than the BMW 3 Series, contributed to its commanding presence. The TLX's design elements, such as thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, added to its visual appeal. The Type S variant introduced exclusive features like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, enhancing its sporty character. Inside, the TLX offered a snug yet well-detailed cabin, with options for unique color combinations and materials that set it apart from competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in both performance and comfort, making it suitable for both weekday commuting and weekend driving. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor. The S580 model offered a more powerful twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, providing smooth handling and impressive acceleration, with 0-60 mph times of 4.9 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the S500 achieving up to 24 mpg combined and the S580 up to 19 mpg combined.

The 2022 Acura TLX, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, produced 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option for Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for enhanced stability and handling. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, excelling on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers. While the regular TLX provided a comfortable ride, the Type S delivered a sportier experience without sacrificing comfort. Fuel economy for the Type S was moderate, with 21 mpg combined, while the regular TLX achieved up to 25 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, catering to the needs of executive passengers. The cabin featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk for ample storage. Front-row passengers enjoyed active multicontour seats with massage functions, while the Executive Line package enhanced rear-seat comfort with additional features like neck and shoulder heating. The S-Class's soft-close doors added a touch of convenience, and the vehicle came with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, provided a tighter interior space, particularly in the rear seats. While headroom was decent, legroom was limited. The front seats offered comfort with adjustable features, and the driving position was well-designed. The TLX's infotainment system required acclimation due to its touchpad interface, but the climate control was straightforward. Trunk space was modest at 13.5 cubic feet, and the double-wishbone suspension contributed to the vehicle's handling but reduced available space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable themes, and the optional 3D instrument cluster added depth to the display. The S-Class featured advanced navigation with augmented reality and a high-quality Burmester sound system. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering enhanced performance and maneuverability.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. The head-up display, available with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions. The ELS Studio audio system provided quality sound, and standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and driver assistance systems. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation, and the TLX came with standard LED headlights and a suite of driver assistance features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and available features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while driver assistance systems included adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication enhanced safety awareness. Rear-passenger airbags and occupant restraint protection were available for added security.

The 2022 Acura TLX received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors, enhancing overall safety.