2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2023 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 many competitors. The E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six 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, like the AMG E53, offered a more powerful version of the E450's engine, providing a thrilling driving experience. The E-Class consistently ranked high in reviews, except in cost-effectiveness, with the AMG E53 Cabriolet standing out for its luxurious features and striking design, despite its hefty price tag.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the consumer shift to SUVs and supply chain constraints. The TLX Type S, with its striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades, was a rare sight on the road. Priced at approximately $67,500 in Canada, the TLX was based on a concept vehicle that introduced a new design language for Acura. While the TLX's dramatic styling impacted rear-seat headroom and cargo space, it offered a visually appealing design. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard design, but its control layout required some adjustment. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, was the most expensive TLX version, offering a thrilling driving experience despite some minor issues with the braking system.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models were equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine featuring EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided robust throttle response across a wide rev range, with an acceleration time of 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured power was effectively delivered to the road. The E53 Cabriolet featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car's dual personality allowed it to be a quiet cruiser or a spirited performer, with the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes enhancing its versatility. Despite some cowl shake, the E53 Cabriolet felt solid and sure-footed, making it suitable for three-season driving with its heated features and AWD system.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The TLX'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 Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. While the TLX Type S was fun to drive, its brake-by-wire system posed some challenges, particularly during spirited driving. Despite this, the TLX Type S offered a delightful driving experience with its agile handling and performance-oriented features.

The 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 heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system enhanced comfort. The E-Class Cabriolet's sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats provided relief in hot weather, and the triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. The test car's multi-contour front seats with massage and Air Balance interior fragrance system added to the luxury experience. With the top raised, the trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space, which was reduced by half with the top down.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The test car's Orchid interior with carbon fibre trim was visually appealing, though not available in Canada. The Type S model's flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges with low-contrast red markings posed some readability challenges. The TLX's 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats offered excellent comfort, but the rear seat was cramped, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 382 litres of cargo, comparable to a compact car, but the flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges maximized usability.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, known for its complexity and ease of use. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of MBUX, offering high-resolution displays. Interaction with MBUX was possible through the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, or centre console controls. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality navigation system. The test car's Burmester surround-sound audio system provided excellent sound quality. While MBUX was generally user-friendly, its extensive menu structure and occasional accidental activation of the digital assistant posed minor challenges.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration for users. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring interaction through the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, or voice recognition. The system's one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and display screen proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. The TTI occupied valuable centre console space, complicating access to the wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound systems prepared the cabin and occupants for a collision. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. The optional Driver Assistance Package added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and rear collision preparation, enhancing safety.

The 2023 Acura TLX included standard driver aids such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer, and a surround-view camera. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags contributed to safety. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for the front passenger's seating position in a frontal-impact collision.