2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic 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 flagship sedan, showcasing a sleek and elegant exterior. Its long profile and distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille, along with a star hood ornament, emphasized its luxurious lineage. Inside, the S-Class featured a sophisticated dashboard with open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, meticulously fitted to create a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, particularly in the Touring trim, impressed with its elegant exterior that could easily be mistaken for a luxury sedan. Its design drew comparisons to the Audi A7, with a sleek profile and a redesigned front grille. The Accord's extended length and updated LED lighting contributed to its refined appearance. Inside, the Accord Hybrid offered a modern dashboard design with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument display. The cabin was well-appointed, with features like heated and ventilated seats, and a traditional gearshift for convenience. The Accord's interior provided ample legroom and shoulder room, although headroom was slightly compromised by the tapering roofline.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with powerful engines and advanced technology. 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. The S580 model offered a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also with EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S-Class models were quick, with the S500 reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel efficiency ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway for the S500 and 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the S580.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 204 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. While the Accord Hybrid lacked AWD, it offered a smooth and efficient driving experience. The transition between electric and gas power was seamless, and the suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections. The Accord Hybrid's regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, providing a customizable driving experience. Its agile handling made it enjoyable to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder parking ease.

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. The trunk provided 13.8 cubic feet of storage space. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. Front seats were equipped with heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings. The Luxury Line added features like a heated steering wheel and rear-seat heating. The Executive Line, exclusive to the S580, upgraded rear seats and included a high-end rear-seat entertainment system. Soft-close doors added a touch of convenience.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid adopted a layout similar to other Honda models, with a honeycomb mesh trim hiding the air vents. The dashboard featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and physical controls for climate and volume. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats. The Accord Hybrid's traditional gearshift replaced the previous button system, offering convenience. The front seats provided excellent support, and rear legroom and shoulder room were generous. However, headroom was slightly limited by the roofline. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, with a low load floor for easy access.

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 customizable themes. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for enhanced maneuverability.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauges. The Touring trim included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The "Hey Google" virtual assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display were also available. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality. The Accord Hybrid's technology package justified the investment in the Touring trim, offering a comprehensive suite of features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions. The S-Class also offered rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags for added safety.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing bundle, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera and parking sensors. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.