2022 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic look from the previous year, following a complete makeover in 2021. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to make a strong case for the luxury sedan with its sleek, elongated profile and elegant design. The car's long distance between the front axle and the dashboard added to its sophisticated appearance, while the proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament emphasized its prestigious lineage.

Inside, the S-Class dazzled with a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the center stack. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel provided a clear and distinct display. High-quality materials were meticulously fitted throughout the cabin, ensuring a luxurious experience for all passengers.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, continued to evolve from its rather bland beginnings in 1993. By 2022, the Altima had adopted a sportier look with a low, wide stance, tall doors, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package added gloss black accents and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. The Gun Metallic paint on our test car blended well with the Midnight Package, making it one of the better "black-out" packages available.

Inside, the Altima featured comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-laid-out instrument panel, and high-quality materials that gave it a premium feel. However, lower trims did not offer the same level of refinement. The interior was functional and comfortable, but it lacked the luxurious touch found in higher-end models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in both business and pleasure driving. The S500 model 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 electric motor added up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque during high-demand situations. 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 with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD. The S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. Despite their weight, both models offered flat and predictable handling, powerful braking, and impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a choice of two four-cylinder engines: a 2.5-liter unit producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) making 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was only available on the SR trim with FWD. All Altimas came with a CVT, and the SR trim included paddle shifters. The VC-Turbo engine provided a balance of performance and efficiency, but it was not available with AWD. The base 2.5-liter engine offered mediocre acceleration and engine noise, but the Altima's suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The cabin was quiet, and the car felt well-put-together, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a roomy and comfortable cabin with ample storage and cargo space. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. 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 driver and front passenger enjoyed heated and ventilated active multicontour seats with massage and memory functions. 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 soft-close doors added a touch of convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four (five for short distances), easy-to-use controls, and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions were average compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, and its 16.2-gallon fuel tank was the largest among its competitors. However, the high rear shelf compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced technology. The 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display (HUD) enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and available Burmester 4D Surround system provided high-fidelity audio. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering added to the car's performance and maneuverability.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a 5-inch multi-function information display on the base S trim, while other trims had a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SL trim and above featured a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system, navigation, and remote engine start with intelligent climate control. Active noise cancellation was available on the SR VC-Turbo trim. The ProPilot Assist system, available on higher trims, assisted with acceleration, steering, and braking tasks. The Altima's tech worked flawlessly, handling voice commands and delivering quality sound through the audio system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with standard and available safety features. Magic Vision Control adjusted windshield spray for optimal visibility. Driver assistance features included 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, Pre-Safe Plus, and car-to-x communication. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with standard driver-assist tech, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic high-beam headlights, driver-attention warning, Rear View Monitor, rear door alert, and hill-start assist. The SV trim and above featured Safety Shield 360, adding rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and a rear sonar system. The Altima received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS.