2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class showcased a design that harmoniously blended elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a stylish sedan that was unmistakably a Mercedes from any angle. The front end mirrored the CLA-Class with its droop, while the squared-off rear and thin taillights were reminiscent of the S-Class. The cab-rearward proportions, with a long hood and short rear deck, emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, setting it apart from the front-wheel-drive CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to the Mercedes Digital Light system, which adjusted to curves and projected warning icons. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles, and ambient lighting in 64 colours. Despite its luxury appeal, the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was a reminder of its price range, though Nappa leather seats were available.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to a shift towards SUVs and supply chain constraints. The TLX Type S, with its striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades, stood out on the road. Priced at approximately $67,500 in Canada, it was based on a concept vehicle that introduced a new design language. Despite its front-wheel-drive platform, the TLX boasted a rear-wheel-drive look, though this impacted rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard design prioritizing style over practicality, with a control layout that required relearning. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, was the most expensive version, while the base TLX A-Spec with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine was more affordable. Option packages included A-Spec and Platinum Elite.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which added up to 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The C300 could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 210 km/h. The sportier Mercedes-AMG C43 version boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, or 265 km/h with optional wheels. The C300 4Matic test car felt powerful but experienced turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. Despite these issues, the ride quality met luxury standards, with good body control and precise steering on twisty roads, though it required a deliberate approach to cornering.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The engine's fuel economy was rated at 11.3 L/100 km in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. The TLX offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control. The Type S model came with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It featured performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h. While the brakes were less satisfying in Sport or Sport+ mode, the Type S was enjoyable to drive, with excellent grip and handling, though it had minor issues with suspension and road noise.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was available only as a sedan, with increased dimensions compared to its predecessor, resulting in more interior space. Front headroom increased by 2.5 mm, and rear headroom by 10 mm, while rear-seat legroom grew by 20 mm. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was less competitive. The seats were comfortable, with good bolstering for spirited driving, but thick rear pillars created blind spots. The trunk offered 455 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for longer items.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The U.S.-spec test car had an Orchid interior with carbon fibre trim, not available in Canada. The Type S had a flat-bottom sport steering wheel with analog gauges, though the low-contrast red markings were hard to read. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, with heating and ventilation. Rear seat comfort was limited, with narrow doors and a small back seat lacking legroom. The TLX's trunk held 382 litres of cargo, comparable to a compact car, but a flat floor and enclosed hinges maximized usability.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an infotainment system inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver. Standard features included keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, head-up display, in-car Wi-Fi, and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX system offered a "Zero Layer" setup, displaying multiple functions on the screen simultaneously. The voice recognition system was highly effective, and the optional augmented-reality navigation provided clear turn-by-turn guidance.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the screen was distracting, and the touchpad occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TLX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the TTI made using the wireless charging pad difficult.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not tested it. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention monitor, park assist, Pre-Safe, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control. The C-Class also offered Car-to-X communication, providing warnings based on networked vehicle data.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer, and a surround-view camera. The TLX featured an Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with a four-star rating for the front passenger in a frontal collision.