2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Acura Integra showcased a cohesive design language that aligned seamlessly with Acura's larger models like the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. With its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines, the Integra was a modern and stylish addition to Acura's lineup. The five-door liftback design, embossed "Integra" name, and wide track gave it a solid, planted look, distinguishing it from the outgoing ILX compact sedan.

Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity. The honeycomb grilles on the climate control vents, a 9-inch color touchscreen, and a thin, comfortable steering wheel were notable features. The A-Spec and A-Spec with Technology trims offered microsuede upholstery, although the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback. Overall, the Integra was well-built but didn't quite match the bespoke refinement of its German competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, particularly the S 580e plug-in hybrid, exuded calm sophistication with its clean lines and sculpted front end. Optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers added a touch of sportiness. Inside, the S-Class offered a luxurious experience with eight different leather upholstery options, including the sublime Carmine Red, and five trim materials. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish, along with ridiculously soft headrests, made for an opulent cabin.

The S 580e's interior was packed with features like massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. Power sunshades, soft-closing doors, and 64-color ambient lighting added to the luxury. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. However, the cargo space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, which was smaller than the standard S-Class's 12.9 cubes.

The 2023 Acura Integra featured a lively 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The A-Spec with Technology trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, while lower trims came with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The manual transmission's short throws and automatic rev-matching technology made gear changes smooth and enjoyable. The Integra's brakes and suspension provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, and its handling capabilities were impressive for a front-wheel-drive vehicle.

The Integra's variable-ratio electric power-steering system adjusted the steering feel based on wheel position, offering a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. Three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—plus an individual mode allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience. Sport mode stiffened the adaptive dampers and added weight to the steering, enhancing the car's sporty character.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz 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. The plug-in hybrid offered 56 miles of all-electric range and could be charged at 11 kW for home charging or 60 kW with DC fast charging. The S 580e achieved an impressive 53.9 MPGe during testing and could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds.

The S 580e's air suspension provided a buttery soft ride, absorbing broken pavement and potholes effortlessly. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, making the long-wheelbase S-Class feel like a smaller vehicle. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered seamless gear shifts, although there was a slight jerk when downshifting into first gear at lights. Drivers could adjust brake regeneration levels and opt for a creep function or one-pedal driving experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height made loading and unloading heavy or bulky items challenging. The front seats featured a logical dashboard layout, smartly placed cupholders, and a decently sized center console cubby. Rear passengers had decent legroom but limited headroom due to the steeply sloped roofline. The rear seat cushions were incredibly soft, adding to passenger comfort.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. Power sunshades, soft-closing doors, and 64-color ambient lighting added to the luxury. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. However, the cargo space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, which was smaller than the standard S-Class's 12.9 cubes.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Technology package added a 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, a USB-C port for the front seats, and two USB-A ports for the rear seats. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers provided an exceptional audio experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen center display with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The system included a natural-language AI assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system with augmented reality. The optional large color head-up display and stoplight view added to the tech experience. Wireless charging and USB-C ports were also available, along with a standard Burmester sound system.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, a rear-seat reminder, hill-start assist, and automatic brake hold. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Integra five out of five stars overall in its crash tests.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a full suite of ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and a hands-on highway driver-assist system. The Crosswind Assist kept the car straight in windy conditions, and Speed Limit Assist adjusted the cruising speed based on traffic signs. The S-Class had not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.