2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its stunning design from the previous year, continuing to impress with its sleek and elegant appearance. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its lineage traced back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, and the current W223 generation maintained its status as Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan. The S-Class's exterior was characterized by its long, low profile, exuding elegance with a significant distance between the front axle and dashboard. Inside, the cabin was a showcase of high-quality materials, featuring a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, offering a blend of modern technology and classic luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more conservative design, typical of Volkswagen's approach to styling. While it may not have been as visually striking as the S-Class, the Jetta's appearance was inoffensive and aimed to age gracefully. The SEL trim offered an upscale feel with features like ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large sunroof. The interior was practical, with a focus on functionality, and the Jetta provided a comfortable and spacious environment for its price range. Though it lacked the opulence of the S-Class, the Jetta delivered a sense of value and practicality for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both executive commuting and weekend driving pleasure. 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 hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor. The S580 model offered a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also enhanced by 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 Volkswagen Jetta, while not a sports sedan, offered a nimble and responsive driving experience. It was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Jetta came with a six-speed manual transmission in S and Sport trims, while the SE and SEL trims featured an eight-speed automatic. The automatic transmission had a noticeable delay in response, but the manual transmission likely provided better control. The Jetta SEL achieved an EPA rating of 33 mpg combined, though real-world testing averaged 30 mpg. The Jetta's handling was predictable, with accurate steering and faithful brakes, making it enjoyable to drive in various conditions.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin. It featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk. The interior boasted six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The 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, enhanced rear-seat comfort with multicontour seats and entertainment systems. The S-Class's doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta provided ample space for a compact sedan, accommodating four adults comfortably. It featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Jetta's interior offered generous storage, including a large trunk with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear seats were supportive, with heated options, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Jetta's practicality extended to its storage solutions, with a large center bin, glove compartment, and door panel storage.

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 S-Class also offered a Burmester 3D Surround sound system, with an available 4D system for enhanced audio. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering added to the S-Class's technological prowess.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM 360L. The Jetta's infotainment system had some usability quirks, but Car-Net connected services offered additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine starting. The SEL trim included a Beats Audio premium sound system, though it was not as satisfying as previous Fender systems.

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, and car-to-x communication shared road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL came with the IQ.Drive package, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, while Emergency Assist could safely stop the vehicle if the driver was unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had some lower ratings in specific areas.