2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, especially in its Touring trim, evoked a sense of nostalgia during our test drive in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley. The village of Accord, N.Y., served as a picturesque backdrop reminiscent of the original Accord’s 1977 U.S. sales brochure. The new Accord, with its sleek exterior and elegant design, often drew comparisons to more expensive luxury sedans like the Audi A7. The redesigned front grille, updated LED lighting, and extended length gave the car a refined, near-luxury appearance.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, in contrast, broke away from the cold and technical feel of many modern vehicles. It featured long hood and short deck proportions, softly rounded forms, and bold detailing. The star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillight illumination, and chrome accents added distinctive character. Available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, the E-Class started at $62,300, with our test car priced at $82,450 due to numerous options. The interior, adorned with Tonka Brown Nappa leather and a Superscreen triple-display, exuded luxury and high-tech modernism.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. Despite lacking all-wheel drive, the Accord Hybrid offered smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, providing a balanced ride. The enhanced regenerative braking system, with six levels of regen, allowed for fine-tuning and a more comfortable driving experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the E 350 4Matic, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the E 450 4Matic. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The E-Class also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing fuel economy and performance. Despite its power, the E 350 4Matic fell short of its EPA-rated 27 mpg, achieving only 23.8 mpg during our tests. The optional Airmatic Package provided an adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid’s cabin adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim hiding the dash-mounted air vents. The infotainment screen, climate control buttons, and heated and ventilated seat controls were conveniently placed. The traditional gearshift replaced the previous button system, offering a more intuitive experience. The front seats provided excellent support, while the rear seats offered generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly compromised by the sleek roofline. The trunk boasted a spacious 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, even without the Multicontour Seating Package, offered comfortable front seats with options for MB-Tex artificial leather, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather. The rear seats, though challenging to access due to intrusive wheel wells, provided good leg support and a tall riding position. Practical storage solutions included sizable door pockets, a hidden center console bin, and a roomy bin under the center armrest. The trunk offered 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating full-size suitcases and expandable with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument display. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless device charging pad, “Hey Google” virtual assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also standard.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, pairing a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system with augmented video technology. The Superscreen Package added a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and a video camera for conference calls. The MBUX system, with its advanced AI, provided a personalized and intuitive user experience.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a head-up display. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, scoring “Good” in all crash tests.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package offering 15 additional technologies for $1,950. Highlights included upgraded Pre-Safe features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping, lane-centering, and lane-change systems. The ADAS performed well, though some features like Active Speed Limit Assist and Route-based Speed Adaptation were less practical in certain driving conditions.