2022 Acura TLX vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its design was bold, with a width exceeding that of the BMW 3 Series by over 7.5 centimetres, and a length surpassing it by more than 22 centimetres. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Despite its exterior size, the TLX's interior was compact, with impressive detailing and a snug fit, offering a sense of well-spent money.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exuded calm sophistication with its clean lines and sculpted front end. The S 580e model, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, added a touch of modernity to the classic luxury sedan. The interior was a testament to luxury, offering 15 leather upholstery colours and five trim materials. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish elevated the experience, while the soft headrests provided unmatched comfort. The S-Class was designed to pamper its occupants, with features like massaging seats and ambient lighting, creating an opulent environment.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was standard in Canada, enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, with a focus on track performance. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided consistent grip and a balanced ride. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, offering 90 kilometres of all-electric range. The powertrain delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds. The S-Class excelled in comfort, with a buttery soft air suspension and rear-wheel steering for improved manoeuvrability. The hybrid mode provided seamless transitions between electric and gas power, while the nine-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth gear shifts. The S 580e achieved an impressive fuel efficiency rating of 4.4 Le/100 km.

Inside, the 2022 Acura TLX was snug, with limited rear legroom despite decent headroom. The front seats offered comfort with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The true touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, but the climate control was straightforward. Trunk space was limited at 382 litres, constrained by the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. The ambient lighting offered 64 colours, and the Energizing Comfort wellness program aimed to enhance the driving experience. Storage space was ample, but the trunk was limited to 350 litres. The standard S-Class offered more cargo space, but the S 580e prioritized luxury over practicality.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. The head-up display was available only on the Platinum Elite trim. The ELS Studio premium audio system was included on higher trims, along with features like wireless charging and a full suite of driver assistance features. The TLX offered a comprehensive package of technology, though some features were limited to specific trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The natural-language AI assistant was responsive, and the augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a Burmester sound system. The S-Class offered a seamless integration of technology, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard safety equipment like lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The TLX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a full array of ADAS safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The hands-on highway driver-assist system and Crosswind Assist added to its safety credentials. However, the S-Class had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.