2023 Cadillac CT5 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its stunning design from the previous year, following a complete makeover that was widely praised. 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 distance between the front axle and the dashboard, exuded elegance. The interior was equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials and a sophisticated dashboard design with a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The S-Class remained Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, offering a luxurious and meticulously crafted cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5, tested in Southern California, turned heads with its unique light gray metallic color called Rift and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The CT5-V, a sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan, was positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing. While the CT5-V's interior quality fell short compared to its German rivals, it offered a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details. The cabin featured standard ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite its shortcomings, the CT5-V provided a roomy interior and a hands-free Super Cruise driving assistance system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both serene commuting and exhilarating weekend drives. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the EQ Boost system. The S580 model offered a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission 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 S-Class delivered a smooth ride, impressive handling, and fuel efficiency of up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway for the S500.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V housed a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, though it felt slower than it sounded. The CT5-V featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and an electronic limited-slip differential. Various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, and Track, allowed for customization of the driving experience. The CT5-V's performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes contributed to its dynamic handling. However, the car was not as refined as expected, with noticeable road noise and suspension issues on imperfect surfaces.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided ample storage. The front seats featured heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings, ensuring a luxurious experience. The Executive Line package, exclusive to the S580, enhanced rear-seat comfort with active multicontour seats and a high-end rear-seat entertainment system. The S-Class's soft-close doors added a touch of convenience, and the vehicle came with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier interior. The standard 18-way power-adjustable front seats, wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, provided comfort and support. Genuine leather and heated and ventilated seats were optional. The rear seats, reminiscent of a BMW 3 Series, offered good thigh support and knee clearance. However, the CT5-V's trunk was small, with just 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Despite this, the car featured functional storage areas and an optional hands-free power trunk lid.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery, and the optional 3D instrument cluster added depth. The S-Class featured augmented video for navigation and an available augmented reality head-up display. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also boasted advanced powertrain and chassis technology, including EQ Boost and rear-axle steering.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V's Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system prioritized simplicity. The 12-inch digital instrumentation and 10-inch touchscreen displays were user-friendly, offering features like Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. The CT5-V included stereo volume and radio tuning controls on the center console, enhancing usability. While the test car lacked an embedded navigation system, it offered a head-up display, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a Performance Data Recorder. Cadillac's approach to technology emphasized ease of use and practicality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with safety features, including Magic Vision Control, which optimized windshield spray. Driver assistance features included adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The S-Class also offered Pre-Safe systems to prepare for imminent collisions and car-to-x communication for sharing road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with the Cadillac Smart System, offering basic safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with features like automated lane changes. While Super Cruise was impressive, it required driver attention and had occasional issues with lane changes and carpool lane navigation.