2022 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic look from the 2021 model, following a complete makeover that many agreed was spot-on. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class sedan continued to make a strong case for itself with its sleek, elongated profile and elegant design. The seventh-generation S-Class, known as the W223, remained Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan, available in S500 and S580 variants. The exterior design featured a long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, adding to its elegance, while the interior boasted high-quality materials and a sophisticated dashboard with a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, had undergone significant updates over the years, including a major facelift in 2015. The Charger’s design was modern and menacing, with a cabin that, while not cutting-edge, was user-friendly with thick bezels and chunky buttons. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants with supercharged V8 engines. The Hellcat Widebody, introduced in 2020, added wider tires and a more precise handling experience, making it a well-rounded performance machine.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both serene commuting and weekend pleasure driving. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with EQ Boost, providing up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, supplementing the engine’s 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also benefiting from the EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. The S500 could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the S500 delivering up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and the S580 achieving 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in base form, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the AWD trims. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, while the R/T Scat Pack came with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 making 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat variants boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, with the Hellcat producing 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, the Redeye 797 hp and 707 lb-ft, and the Jailbreak 807 hp. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 196 mph.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a roomy and comfortable cabin with ample storage and cargo space. The second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided plenty of space for luggage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. The front seats were equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and the Luxury Line added a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and rear-seat heating. The Executive Line, exclusive to the S580, upgraded the rear seats and included a high-end rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, felt more intimate due to its high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered plenty of legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear seats. The Charger’s 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space was decent, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger’s sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk made it a versatile option.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen running the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency, while the 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable themes. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and an augmented reality head-up display, which projected navigation instructions onto the windshield. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system could be upgraded to a 4D system with headrest speakers. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost for enhanced performance and rear-axle steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was optional on the base SXT and standard on higher trims. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced car on the road, the Charger’s blend of technology and conventional controls provided a straightforward and effective user experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Standard systems included Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist, and Pre-Safe systems. The S-Class also offered rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags for added safety.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged behind in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.