2022 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic appearance from the previous year’s complete makeover. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to make a strong case for the sedan with its sleek, extended profile and elegant design. The seventh-generation S-Class, known as the W223, remained Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan, featuring only the S500 and S580 sedans without additional body styles. The exterior design was marked by a long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, contributing to its elegance. The interior boasted high-quality materials, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, all meticulously fitted and assembled.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition was introduced to commemorate the model’s final year of production. With only 1,973 units produced, it featured exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges. The interior included Mauro Brown leather upholstery, fake wood trim, and special seat tags, giving it an upscale feel despite its age. The design, refreshed in 2020, aged gracefully, but the interior was a mix of inexpensive plastics and outdated technologies. The 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and small driver information display appeared archaic, though the cabin’s modernity was highlighted by integrated air vents and metallic detailing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both serene weekday 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 had a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with the same EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick, with 0-60 mph times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. The S500 delivered up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 achieved 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generated 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with no AWD option. The Passat’s performance was adequate for commuting and highway cruising, but it lacked immediate power for passing. The transmission’s Sport mode improved responsiveness without significantly affecting fuel efficiency. The Passat achieved an observed fuel economy of 30.7 mpg, exceeding the EPA rating of 28 mpg combined. The 18.5-gallon fuel tank allowed for over 500 miles between refueling. The Passat’s ride quality was generally smooth, but it felt jittery on city streets and had inconsistent brake pedal response. However, it handled well on twisty roads, exhibiting traditional Germanic traits.

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 ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The driver and front passenger had active multicontour seats with massage, memory, lumbar support, and comfort headrests. The Luxury Line added heated features and the “Energizing Comfort” system, while the Executive Line (exclusive to the S580) upgraded the rear seats and included a high-end rear-seat entertainment system. The S-Class’s doors opened wide, but the soft-close feature prevented slamming.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat offered a spacious cabin with room for five adults and dual-zone climate control. The Limited Edition’s front seats had eight-way power adjustment but lacked separate bottom cushion angle adjustment, affecting comfort. The rear seats provided excellent legroom and support, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was good, with many locations lined with rubber, though the door-panel bins were hard plastic. The 15.9-cubic-foot trunk was not class-leading but adequate, with no underfloor trays or side bins. The trunk could be opened remotely but was not power-operated.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with the latest technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system and a 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest. The standard augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display provided clear and futuristic navigation instructions. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system was standard, with an optional 4D system adding headrest speakers. The EQ Boost system and available rear-axle steering enhanced performance and maneuverability.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat’s infotainment system featured a 6.3-inch screen with App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. The R-Line and Limited Edition added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. The voice recognition system worked for simple commands but struggled with complex ones. The Fender audio system was a highlight, offering excellent clarity and range.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with standard and available safety features, including Magic Vision Control, active distance assist Distronic 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 Volkswagen Passat SE included standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The R-Line added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition had adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and park-assist. The lane-keeping assistance system was inconsistent, and the reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive. The IIHS rated the Passat’s headlights as “Good,” but the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with a three-star rating for frontal-impact collision protection.