2022 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite its roots tracing back to a platform from 2005, managed to maintain a modern and menacing exterior design, especially after its significant facelift in 2015. While the exterior updates kept it relevant, the interior felt dated compared to contemporary standards. The cabin, with its thick bezels and chunky controls, offered ease of use but lacked the sleekness of modern automotive interiors. The Charger was available in various trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak variants, each offering a unique blend of power and features.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exuded sophistication and luxury, particularly in the S 580e plug-in hybrid variant. The exterior featured clean lines and optional AMG styling elements, while the interior was a haven of luxury with options for sumptuous leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The fit and finish were impeccable, and the cabin was equipped with features like massaging seats and ambient lighting, creating an environment of unparalleled comfort. The S-Class was designed to provide a serene driving experience, with its advanced technology and luxurious appointments.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 292 horsepower in the base SXT trim, and 300 horsepower in the SXT AWD and GT trims. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 delivering 485 horsepower. The pinnacle of performance was the supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 in the Hellcat, producing 717 horsepower, with the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushing output to 797 and 807 horsepower, respectively. The Charger was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on V6 models. The Hellcat's Widebody setup enhanced handling and allowed for impressive acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with an electric motor and a 28.6-kWh battery, offering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid system provided an all-electric range of 90 kilometres and a combined fuel efficiency rating of 4.6 Le/100 km. The S 580e could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, matching the performance of the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The S-Class prioritized comfort with its air suspension and rear-wheel steering, providing a smooth and agile driving experience. The nine-speed automatic transmission ensured seamless gear shifts, contributing to the car's luxurious ride quality.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, while a large sedan, offered an intimate driving experience due to its high centre console and performance bucket seats. Both rows provided ample legroom, but headroom was limited, particularly in the rear. The Charger had 467 litres of trunk space, though the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger offered sports-car performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with luxury features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, power sunshades, and ambient lighting with 64 colour options. The interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with plenty of storage cubbies and a spacious centre armrest. However, the trunk space was limited to 350 litres, less than the standard S-Class and competitors like the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid. The S-Class prioritized passenger comfort and luxury, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a premium driving experience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger featured a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to an 8.4-inch version on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, offering a straightforward interface with large icons for easy navigation. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was well-integrated with conventional controls, providing a balanced user experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The system featured a natural-language AI assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system with augmented reality. The S-Class also offered wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports, catering to tech-savvy drivers. The infotainment system was designed to enhance the driving experience with its advanced features and intuitive interface.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Charger received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but scored a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The S-Class also featured a hands-on highway driver-assist system and Crosswind Assist for enhanced stability. While crash test ratings were not available, the S-Class was designed with cutting-edge safety technology to protect its occupants.