2023 Cadillac CT5 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its stunning design from the previous year, continuing to impress with its sleek and elegant appearance. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its lineage traced back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, and the current W223 generation maintained its status as Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan. The exterior design was characterized by a long, low profile, with a significant distance between the front axle and dashboard, adding to its elegance. Inside, the S-Class boasted a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, featuring a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, offering a sophisticated and functional interior.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5, particularly in its CT5-V variant, was a rare sight on Canadian roads, often turning heads with its unique styling. The test vehicle's light grey metallic Rift colour and 19-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish added to its distinctiveness. Positioned between the standard CT5 and the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing, the CT5-V offered a sporty yet luxurious experience. While its interior quality didn't match its German rivals, it provided a mix of high-quality materials and some less impressive details. The CT5-V's cabin featured standard ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, making it a comfortable and technologically equipped choice.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both executive commuting and weekend pleasure driving. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from the electric motor. The S580 model offered a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, also benefiting from EQ Boost. 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. The S-Class provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel consumption ratings of 11.4 L/100 km city/8.0 highway/9.9 combined for the S500 and 14.3 L/100 km city/9.5 highway/12.2 combined for the S580.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V housed a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds, though it felt slower than it sounded. The CT5-V featured Active Fuel Management and a fuel economy rating of 11.2 L/100 km combined, with our test achieving 12.1 L/100 km. A 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with optional AWD. The CT5-V offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing customization of steering, suspension, and other characteristics. While the CT5-V excelled in balance, body control, and grip, it lacked steering feel and refinement, with noticeable road noise and suspension racket.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and comfortable 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. The driver and front passenger benefited from rapid-heating active multicontour seats, with options for 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, power calf rest, and rear controls. The S-Class's soft-close doors added a touch of luxury, though their wide opening could be inconvenient.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier and more comfortable interior. Standard artificial leather covered the 18-way power-adjustable front seats, with genuine leather and ventilated seats as options. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The rear seats provided good thigh support and knee clearance, though the door frame design made entry and exit less graceful. The CT5-V's trunk offered just 337 litres of cargo space, with hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for additional items. The hands-free power trunk lid was optional.

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, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery, with an optional 3D instrument cluster for added depth. The S-Class included augmented video for navigation and an available augmented reality head-up display. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for enhanced performance and maneuverability.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V's Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system prioritized simplicity, with a 12-inch digital instrumentation and 10-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and OnStar services. The CT5-V offered wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and a Bose 15-speaker audio system. Cadillac's approach to stereo controls was user-friendly, with volume and tuning controls on the centre console and steering wheel. Optional upgrades included a navigation system, head-up display, surround-view camera, and Performance Data Recorder. However, future models would no longer support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, opting for subscription-based services.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist enhanced safety. The S-Class also featured Pre-Safe systems, car-to-x communication, and available rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags for executive-level protection.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came with the Cadillac Smart System, offering forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The CT5-V added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance. Super Cruise allowed for automated lane changes and adaptive cruise control on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. Despite some issues, Super Cruise was a well-executed technology, providing smooth and effective driving assistance.