2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a versatile offering, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, a variety unmatched by most competitors. The E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all variants could be upgraded to the E450, which boasted a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine with EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. In Canada, the E-Class came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, with rear-wheel drive not available. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, such as the AMG E53, offered a more powerful version of the E450 engine, providing a thrilling driving experience. Despite its high cost, the E-Class was a symbol of luxury, with features like matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim, making it a standout choice for those seeking opulence.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, presented a bold and substantial design, with a wide and long stance reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a wider track and a longer body, giving it a commanding presence. The TLX's design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, creating a striking visual impact. The Type S variant added exclusive paint options and sporty elements like a rear diffuser and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the TLX offered a snug yet well-detailed cabin, with features like a narrow centre console, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials. The TLX's design was both daring and refined, appealing to those who appreciated a bold aesthetic.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models were equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine featuring EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, which utilized a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator to enhance power and efficiency. This AMG-tuned engine produced 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, delivering robust performance across a wide rev range. The E53 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, thanks to its AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system. The E53 Cabriolet offered a dual personality, serving as a quiet cruiser or a dynamic performer, with features like AMG-tuned air suspension and an AMG performance exhaust system enhancing its capabilities.

The 2022 Acura TLX, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, delivered 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), a system that improved stability and handling precision by varying torque distribution. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, offering impressive performance on the track. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Pirelli P Zero summer tires contributed to its balanced and predictable handling. While the Type S provided a sporty driving experience, the regular TLX offered a more comfortable ride, with fuel efficiency figures of 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway for the Type S.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system enhanced comfort. The E-Class Cabriolet's trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top up, though this was reduced when the top was down. The interior featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, providing a luxurious driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, offered a tight interior for four passengers. The back seat provided decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable side bolsters. The TLX's infotainment system featured a unique touchpad interface, which required acclimation but became easier with practice. Trunk space was limited to 382 litres, less than a Honda Civic, due to the space-consuming double-wishbone suspension. The TLX's interior design was well-executed, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment, with the MBUX system offering a complex yet user-friendly experience. Two 12.3-inch screens provided high-resolution displays, and interaction options included a touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and a digital voice assistant. The MBUX system included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an augmented reality navigation system. The test car also featured a Burmester surround-sound audio system, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, though some typefaces were small and difficult to read. The TLX offered a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim, along with features like heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, and a heated steering wheel. The ELS Studio premium audio system with 17 speakers was available on higher trims, providing excellent sound quality. The TLX also included standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Additional safety features were available in the Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and more. The test car was equipped with this package, providing a comprehensive suite of driver aids.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, enhancing the TLX's safety credentials.