2022 Subaru WRX vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Subaru WRX, with its subtle front end and signature hood scoop, presented a more understated design compared to its predecessor. The vehicle was two inches wider, featuring a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. Along the sides, the WRX showcased significant changes, including black plastic cladding with a hexagonal pattern to improve aerodynamics. The rear fenders flared dramatically, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. Inside, the WRX saw improvements in fit and finish, with a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents, giving it a more modern feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exuded calm sophistication with its clean lines and sculpted front end. The S 580e model featured high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers, adding a touch of sportiness. Inside, the S-Class offered a luxurious experience with options for sumptuous leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The fit and finish were superb, with features like soft headrests and a variety of trim materials. The interior was designed for comfort, with massaging seats and ambient lighting enhancing the overall experience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX was powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It came with a standard all-wheel-drive system and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The manual transmission was praised for its notchy and precise feel, while the CVT provided faster shift times. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, offered a forgiving ride quality, making it suitable for various road conditions.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It offered 56 miles of all-electric range and could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a buttery soft air suspension, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the car transitioned seamlessly between electric and gas power in Hybrid mode.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered practicality with a cargo capacity of 12.5 cubic feet, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery options. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive made it a compelling choice for those seeking a performance-focused sedan in the $30,000 range.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with luxury features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. The interior offered ambient lighting with 64 color options and an Energizing Comfort wellness program. While the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, the S-Class provided ample storage with small cubbies and a spacious center armrest.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display with Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system. While the system was visually impressive, it had quirks with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The base trim had a unique dual 7-inch display setup, and an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. It included a natural-language AI assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an augmented reality navigation system. The S-Class also offered wireless charging and a Burmester sound system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered the EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems on CVT-equipped models, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight but had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and the car came with seven airbags as standard.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. It also featured a hands-on highway driver-assist system and Crosswind Assist. The S-Class had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.