2022 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic appearance from the previous year's complete makeover. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to tell a compelling story for sedans with its sleek design and elegant proportions. The seventh-generation S-Class, known as the W223, maintained its status as Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, offering only the S500 and S580 sedans without additional body styles. Its sleek exterior, characterized by a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, exuded elegance, while the interior boasted high-quality materials and a sophisticated dashboard design.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, part of the sixth generation, continued to build on its sportier look introduced in 2002. Available in three trim levels in Canada, the Altima featured Nissan's V-Motion grille and a low, wide stance. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and sporty enhancements, elevated the Altima's appearance. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel. However, the quality of materials varied across trims, with higher trims providing a more premium feel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in performance, offering a choice between the S500 and S580 models. The S500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor. The S580, with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, also benefited from EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, achieving impressive acceleration times of 4.9 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580 from 0-100 km/h. Despite their weight, the S-Class models offered smooth handling and powerful braking, making them suitable for both commuting and pleasure driving.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. While AWD was standard, acceleration was modest, and the CVT struggled to deliver strong performance. However, the Altima impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control, and a quiet cabin that muted bumps and vibrations. Despite its lack of power, the Altima offered a refined driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and spacious interior. It featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 510-litre trunk for ample storage. The cabin boasted six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. Front-row passengers enjoyed rapid-heating active multicontour seats, while optional features included ventilated seats, heated armrests, and massaging rear seats. The Executive Rear Seating package offered additional comfort for rear passengers. However, the wide-opening doors posed a challenge for some occupants, though the soft-close feature mitigated this issue.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, as a midsize sedan, offered comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its competitors, with a 437-litre trunk and a 61-litre fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. Additionally, the trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima remained a competent choice for daily commuting and family use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was a technological marvel, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency, while the 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable themes. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also boasted advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for enhanced maneuverability.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. It offered Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and two USB ports. Higher trims included navigation, remote engine start, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Altima also featured ProPilot Assist, which assisted with acceleration, steering, and braking tasks. The technology worked seamlessly, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and available features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while driver assistance features included adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the S-Class for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a robust set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. It received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation. The Altima's crash avoidance and mitigation systems received favourable ratings, making it a safe choice for families.