2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, continued to impress with its luxurious offerings. The S 580e, a plug-in hybrid with 4Matic all-wheel drive, was a standout in the lineup. Its exterior, while maintaining the classic sophistication of the S-Class, was enhanced with optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and skirts, adding a touch of sportiness. 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 in our tester added a premium feel, complemented by a panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish. The soft headrests were a highlight, providing ultimate comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, though not as opulent, offered practicality and comfort. The Jetta SEL, with its Platinum Gray Metallic paint and Volcano Brown over Titan Black interior, provided a no-nonsense, conservative design. While its appearance might not have been striking, it was inoffensive and functional. The interior, channeling a touch of Audi luxury, featured ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a spacious feel. The Jetta SEL's cabin was equipped with an oversized power sunroof and larger screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment, delivering a sense of upscale value at an affordable price point.

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, offering 56 miles of all-electric range. Charging at home was efficient, taking about two hours and 20 minutes to fill the battery at a cost of $8.93. The S 580e also supported DC fast charging at 60 kW. The EPA rated it at 51 MPGe combined, but our testing achieved 53.9 mpg over nearly 400 miles, with 223 miles driven on electric power alone. The powertrain delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, allowing the S 580e to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. 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 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, produced 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Jetta offered a choice between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the latter featuring a Sport mode. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a delay in acceleration response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. The Jetta SEL achieved an EPA rating of 33 mpg combined, though our testing averaged 30 mpg. Despite its modest power, the Jetta provided a nimble and predictable driving experience, with accurate steering and reliable brakes. The P205/55R17 Nexen Nfera AU7 tires impressed with their grip and communication.

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 and soft-closing doors added to the luxury experience. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors for a customizable atmosphere. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. Storage was ample, though the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, compared to the standard S-Class's 12.9 cubic feet.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL provided ample space for a family of four, with generous interior storage and a cavernous trunk offering 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The Jetta featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The expansive view from the driver's seat was a highlight, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered comfort and legroom, with heated seats as a rare feature in the segment. The Jetta's storage solutions included a large center bin, glove compartment, and door panel storage, with a wireless smartphone charger in the center console.

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 offered a variety of games and a natural-language AI assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a native navigation system with augmented reality. The optional head-up display and stoplight view added to the tech experience. The S-Class also offered wireless charging and USB-C ports, with a standard Burmester sound system.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL came with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system featured proximity sensing, knobs for volume and menu functions, and shortcut tiles. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with SiriusXM 360L. The infotainment system had some quirks, such as requiring multiple inputs to change radio stations. The Car-Net connected services offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and various safety and remote features. The Beats Audio premium sound system was included, though it was not as satisfying as previous Fender systems.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist were additional features. The S-Class had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL featured the IQ.Drive package, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist worked well on challenging roads, though occasional inaccuracies were noted. Emergency Assist could identify an unresponsive driver and bring the car to a safe stop. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but four stars for frontal-impact protection. IIHS rated the Jetta as Poor in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test.