2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation, continued to impress with its luxurious design and electrification efforts. The S 580e plug-in hybrid model, featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive, showcased a sophisticated exterior with optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and skirts. Inside, the S-Class offered a lavish experience with eight leather upholstery options, including the striking Carmine Red, and five trim materials. The Sienna Brown and Black leather interior, complemented by a panoramic sunroof, provided a superb fit and finish, with exceptionally soft headrests enhancing passenger comfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to market shifts and supply constraints. The TLX Type S, tested in Southern California, stood out with its Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance enhancements, bringing the MSRP to $59,100. The TLX's design, inspired by a concept vehicle, featured a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive appearance. However, this styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized width, but the control layout required adaptation, causing distractions. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and SH-AWD, offered a sporty driving experience, though the brake-by-wire system occasionally detracted from the overall performance.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and electric motor, delivering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It offered an impressive 56 miles of all-electric range and a combined MPGe of 51, which testers exceeded at 53.9 mpg. The S 580e accelerated from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds, matching the S 580's twin-turbo V8 performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless shifts, though a slight jerk was noted when downshifting to first gear. The S-Class excelled in comfort mode, with its air suspension and rear-wheel steering enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Type S model, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. The SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing grip and control. However, the brake-by-wire system occasionally reduced braking more than intended, affecting the driving experience. Despite this, the TLX Type S offered an engaging drive with its performance-tuned suspension and adaptive dampers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a wealth of standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. Power sunshades and soft-closing doors added to the luxury experience. The S-Class offered 64-color ambient lighting and an Energizing Comfort wellness program. However, the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, less than the standard S-Class's 12.9 cubic feet.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather interiors with contrast stitching and piping. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges added a sporty touch, though the low-contrast markings were challenging to read. The front seats offered excellent comfort with 16-way power adjustments, but the rear seat lacked legroom due to the TLX's design. The trunk provided 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to a compact car.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a native navigation system with augmented reality, and a variety of games. The Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality, though all USB ports were USB-C.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, with a 10.2-inch display, was a source of frustration. The TTI pad's one-to-one relationship with the screen proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with upgrades available for wireless charging and premium audio. The TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the safety features. However, the S-Class had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though the front passenger's frontal-impact rating was four stars.