2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained the stunning design of its predecessor, the 2021 model, following a comprehensive makeover. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to make a strong case for the luxury sedan segment with its sleek and elegant design. The car's long, low profile and the extended distance between the front axle and dashboard contributed to its sophisticated appearance. The S-Class proudly displayed its Mercedes-Benz heritage with a distinctive grille and star hood ornament, while the interior boasted high-quality materials and a captivating dashboard design featuring a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru WRX distinguished itself from its Impreza roots with a unique design that emphasized performance. The WRX's styling featured a wide-body look with box fender flares and body cladding reminiscent of the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback. The signature hood scoop remained functional, channeling air to the intercooler. The WRX's exterior conveyed its performance-oriented nature, while the interior offered practicality with a basic yet durable design. The GT model included Recaro Performance Design front seats with red contrast stitching and Ultrasuede upholstery, adding a touch of sportiness to the mostly black cabin.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in both comfort and performance, making it suitable for both weekday commutes and weekend drives. 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, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor. 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 S500 and S580 were quick, with 0-60 mph times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. The S-Class provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway for the S500 and 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the S580.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, produced 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It offered more horsepower than a Volkswagen Golf GTI but less than a Golf R. The WRX featured AWD and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) CVT available on higher trims. The SPT/CVT provided quick throttle responses, though the simulated shift shock was unnecessary. The WRX's drive mode select system allowed for customization, with Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual modes. While the WRX was a competent and confident performer, its driving experience was somewhat muted, lacking the exuberance of some competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. Front seats offered heating, ventilation, massage, and memory functions, with additional luxury options available. The Executive Line package enhanced rear-seat comfort with multicontour seats and entertainment features. The S-Class's soft-close doors added convenience, though their wide opening could be challenging for some passengers.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, offered practicality with a bit more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si. However, the Civic provided more rear-seat space. The WRX's 12.5-cubic-foot trunk was smaller than some competitors, but the 60/40 split-folding rear seat and roof-rack mounts added versatility. The WRX maintained good outward visibility, thanks to low window-sill lines and thin roof pillars. However, the cabin lacked a suitable place for a smartphone, with limited space under the touchscreen and in the cupholders, making it challenging to charge or use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced technology, featuring 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, with an optional 3D instrument cluster adding depth. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system adding headrest speakers. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for improved performance and maneuverability.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Starlink infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with base models featuring dual 7-inch touchscreens and higher trims offering an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the larger screen improved legibility, physical buttons and knobs were missed. The interface was generally user-friendly, though SiriusXM satellite radio required multiple steps and took time to load. The WRX's infotainment system lacked sophisticated voice recognition, which could have simplified navigation and audio controls.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while active distance assist Distronic, active steering assist, and active brake assist enhanced driving safety. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags were available for added protection.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured the EyeSight safety system, using stereo cameras for adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, forward collision warning, and more. Available safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with high marks for front-crash prevention and headlights.