2023 Toyota Crown vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, continuing from its complete makeover in 2021, presented a sleek and elegant demeanor. The extensive, low profile immediately obliterated any remnants of its boxy predecessors. The length between the front axle and the dashboard projected a sense of elegance that Mercedes-Benz fans have admired since the brand's notable history began in 1954 with the "Ponton" models. The current S-Class, also known as the W223, stood proudly as Mercedes's flagship sedan, sharing its platform with the exclusive and hyper-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Despite the similarities, it remained distinctly a Mercedes with its proud grille and star hood ornament setting it apart.

Inside, the S-Class represented luxury with a beautifully designed waterfall dashboard made of open-pore wood trim enveloping a 12.8-inch touchscreen. Additionally, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided clear separation, enhancing the practicality and aesthetic appeal. The materials used in the cabin were top-tier, perfectly fitted, and meticulously assembled, creating a sumptuous environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Crown leaned towards a more distinctive design compared to the discontinued Toyota Avalon, placing a greater emphasis on sleekness and a slightly elevated stature. The substantial grille at the front, although mostly aesthetic, paired with the narrow air inlet and wraparound headlights to give the car a sporty yet bold appearance. The large wheels and tires, along with a black trim piece along the door bottoms, provided a grounded and balanced profile.

The rear of the Crown featured a bold taillight strip crossing a black trim section, while the top trims added a unique two-tone color option reminiscent of the classic 1985 Air Jordans. Inside, the Crown felt modern, flaunting a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen. Hard plastics mixed with cushioned areas maintained a solid yet modest luxury feel, suitable for a fancier Toyota but falling short of true luxury vehicle standards.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class catered to both weekday commuting and weekend pleasure driving with equal aplomb. The S500 model housed a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid gasoline-electric engine, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, boosted by the EQ Boost system with an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft during high-demand periods. The S580 took performance up a notch with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with the same EQ Boost system. The two variants used a nine-speed automatic transmission and came standard with 4Matic AWD, making them quick off the line despite their heavy weights of 4,740 pounds (S500) and 4,775 pounds (S580). The S500 achieved 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. With robust handling and powerful braking, the S-Class also offered efficient fuel economy, with the S500 providing up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, and the S580 offering 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains— a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a hybrid electric motor combining for 236 hp and a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a potent rear electric motor pushing output to 340 hp. The base hybrid coupled with a CVT delivered a 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.6 seconds, while the Hybrid Max with a six-speed automatic performed the feat in 5.7 seconds. The Hybrid Max produced instant AWD to ensure traction at all times. However, neither powertrain felt exceptionally fast due to transmission characteristics and engine sounds that seemed unrefined during hard acceleration. Comfort was prioritized, varying with trims, and the cabin remained quiet despite occasional external noise.

The S-Class prioritized everything an executive would need, checking the boxes for space, comfort, storage, and luxurious ambiance. Rear passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a large Panorama Sunroof. The 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided ample storage space, complemented by six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The front seats offered active multicontour settings with massage features, while optional packages enhanced warmth and comfort further. The Executive Line catered to rear-seat luxury with multicontour seats and high-end entertainment systems. However, the door openings were so wide that retrieving the door from a seated position was challenging, although the soft-close function eased some frustration.

In the Toyota Crown, the base XLE trim featured SofTex faux-leather, upgrading to full leather in higher trims. The front seats provided long-distance comfort with some firmness, while visibility was generally clear despite a narrow rear view. A variety of storage solutions, including large cupholders and door pockets, ensured personal items and larger phones could be stored conveniently. Rear passengers found adequate leg and headroom, although the tapering roofline slightly reduced the feeling of spaciousness. The biggest drawback was the 15.2 cubic feet trunk capacity, notably smaller compared to competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon but still providing functional space.

The S-Class stood out with cutting-edge technology. The 12.8-inch OLED screen provided stunning visuals and efficiency, serving the latest MBUX infotainment system. The independent 12.3-inch LED digital instrument panel offered customizable themes, and an optional 3D cluster added depth to the display. New augmented video for navigation made it easier to follow directions with superimposed arrows and numbers, and the available augmented reality HUD projected critical information into the driver's field of vision. The premium sound system options from Burmester ensured a top-notch auditory experience, and the S-Class's rear-axle steering, reducing the turning radius, added maneuverability marks to its elegance in tech.

The Toyota Crown featured a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with suitable responsiveness and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Over-the-air software updates ensured the system remained current, and voice recognition activated various controls. Audiophiles could opt for the 11-speaker JBL premium system in higher trims. The digital key feature allowing a smartphone to unlock the car added modern convenience, and the Wi-Fi hotspot enriched the tech-savvy interior.

The S-Class loaded itself with advanced safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active brake assists, blind-spot monitoring, car-to-x communication, and more, iterated Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety. Additional rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags provided further protection for executives seated in the back, enhancing occupant safety.

While crash test ratings for the Toyota Crown were pending, it boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and rear-passenger reminders. The Platinum trim even featured a semi-automated parallel parking system. Although some proactive driver aids were quite intrusive, they could be disabled for a more traditional driving experience.