2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic appearance from the previous year, following a complete makeover in 2021. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to stand out as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its sleek design, characterized by a long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, exuded elegance. The S-Class's exterior, with its proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament, was a blend of modern sophistication and classic lineage. Inside, the dashboard featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, all crafted with high-quality materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a mild makeover, with subtle exterior styling tweaks that were easy to overlook. The Jetta's design was purposeful yet unremarkable, akin to a black suitcase at baggage claim. The front fascia, bumper, and grille received more chrome, while the rear bumper and taillight housing saw minor updates. New wheel designs and metallic colours were introduced, giving the Jetta a slightly more aggressive profile. Inside, the Jetta's updates were subtle but appealing, with new cloth seat patterns and contrast stitching. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather interior option, and an 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard across the lineup.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both serene commuting and exhilarating weekend drives. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque from the EQ Boost system. The S580 model boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick, with 0-100 km/h times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. Fuel consumption for the S500 was 11.4 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway, while the S580 was rated at 14.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It offered a choice between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with the manual version rated at 8.0 L/100 km city and 5.5 highway, while the automatic achieved 7.7 L/100 km city and 5.7 highway. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. However, its powertrain had some drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and turbo lag. The Jetta offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the overall driving experience was somewhat tepid.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 510-litre trunk provided ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. Front-row passengers benefited from rapid-heating active multicontour seats with memory and lumbar support. Optional features included ventilated seats, heated armrests, and massaging rear seats. The Executive Rear Seating package, exclusive to the S580, catered to chauffeured passengers with a 43-degree recline and power calf rest.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for climate control, audio, and seat controls conveniently located. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, but it was still functional for keeping items out of sight. The Jetta's ergonomics were well-designed, with driving-related controls easily accessible.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality head-up display. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system provided high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also featured rear-axle steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received technology upgrades, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Comfortline and Highline models had an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline offered a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The Jetta's infotainment system included App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. Standard features included Bluetooth, two USB-C ports, and an SD card multimedia interface. The Jetta Highline also offered premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with safety and driver assistance features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, while car-to-x communication shared warning messages with other vehicles. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Comfortline trim. The Jetta also offered Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, and Emergency Assist for driver attentiveness. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the side crash test.