2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, like the AMG E53, offered a more powerful engine and were available in all body styles except the All-Terrain wagon. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its luxurious matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim, was priced at a base of $103,000, with options pushing it close to $120,000 Canadian. The E-Class was a symbol of luxury, with its modern design and high-end interior features, including digital displays and Burmester speaker grilles.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, presented a sleek and refined exterior, drawing comparisons to luxury sedans like the Audi A7. The Accord was redesigned with a longer body, a more upright front grille, and updated LED lighting. The Touring trim offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Accord Hybrid featured a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and advanced tech features like Amazon Alexa and wireless Apple CarPlay. The interior was comfortable, with supportive seats and generous legroom, although the tapering roofline slightly compromised headroom. The trunk offered a spacious 473 litres of cargo capacity, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivered robust performance across a wide rev range, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided excellent power delivery and handling. The E53 Cabriolet featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, offering a dual personality of a quiet cruiser and a dynamic sports car. The convertible was suitable for three-season driving, with heated features and an AWD system for winter use.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 204 horsepower. The powertrain delivered smooth and efficient performance, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The Accord Hybrid's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, providing a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system offered six levels of regen, enhancing the driving experience. The Accord's agile handling made it easy to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder its parking capabilities.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence, and the car featured heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats provided comfort in hot weather. The trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top up, but this was reduced significantly with the top down.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, with a honeycomb mesh trim hiding the air vents. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The traditional gearshift and dedicated volume control knob added convenience. The front seats provided excellent support, while the rear seats offered generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly limited. The trunk had a capacity of 473 litres, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens, offering high-resolution displays and multiple interaction methods. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. The Burmester surround-sound audio system provided excellent sound quality. The MBUX system was customizable, though its extensive menu structure required some acclimation.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauges. The Touring trim offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. The 12-speaker Bose audio system and four USB ports enhanced the tech experience. The intuitive menus and physical controls made the system user-friendly.

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 Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound systems prepared the cabin for collisions and protected occupants' hearing. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and other advanced features.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing bundle, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Touring trim added parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.