2023 Hyundai Elantra 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 sedan continued to make a strong case for itself with its sleek, elongated profile and elegant design. The car’s long distance between the front axle and the dashboard added to its sophisticated look, while the proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament emphasized its luxurious lineage. Inside, the S-Class featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and high-quality materials, creating a cabin that was both visually stunning and meticulously crafted.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a more controversial exterior design that wasn’t universally appealing. However, the interior of the Elantra Limited model was a different story. The light gray leather seats and upscale fabric trim provided a sharp contrast against the black cabin, creating a stylish and modern look. The Elantra’s cabin also featured classy nighttime illumination, ambient lighting, and high-tech displays, making it feel anything but entry-level. Despite some hard plastic panels, the Elantra’s interior was a pleasant surprise for its price point.

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, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor. The S580 model came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also benefiting from EQ Boost. 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. Despite their weight, both models offered flat and predictable handling, powerful braking, and impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not fast, the Elantra Limited was peppy and offered excellent fuel efficiency, averaging 33 mpg during testing. The Elantra’s driving dynamics were surprisingly good, with a communicative ride, compliant handling, and a quiet cabin. The car’s 17-inch wheels and 225/45 tires contributed to its stable and predictable performance, even on challenging roads. However, the steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed some signs of heating up during spirited driving.

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, 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 driver and front passenger benefited from heated and ventilated active multicontour seats with massage and memory functions. The Luxury Line added even more comfort features, while the Executive Line catered to rear-seat passengers with advanced entertainment and comfort options.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra also offered practicality and utility, with a roomy interior that could accommodate a family of four. The Limited model featured proximity-sensing keyless entry, a comfortable six-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, rear-seat passengers might find the seating position too reclined and the lack of rear air conditioning vents and USB ports disappointing. The Elantra’s trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with cutting-edge 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 and augmented video for navigation added to the futuristic feel. The available augmented reality head-up display provided clear and helpful driving instructions. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and optional 4D Surround system offered an exceptional audio experience. The S-Class also featured advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, such as EQ Boost and rear-axle steering.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited came with 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection, and voice recognition had some limitations. The Elantra Limited also included a Bose premium audio system, though it didn’t match the sound quality of some competitors. The Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert were useful additions, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. These included Magic Vision Control, active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and active parking assist with Parktronic. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions, while car-to-x communication shared warning messages about road conditions. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra also offered a generous package of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a safe exit warning system. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year.