2023 Honda Accord Hybrid 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 was characterized by a long, low profile, with a significant distance between the front axle and dashboard, enhancing its elegance. Inside, the S-Class boasted a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, offering a sophisticated and comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, presented a refined and near-luxury look, drawing comparisons to the sleek Audi A7. The redesigned model was longer and featured a more upright front grille, blacked-out LED headlights, and a flowing roofline. The Accord Hybrid Touring came with six exterior colour options and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin was updated with a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and features like Amazon Alexa and wireless Apple CarPlay. The interior was comfortable, with supportive seats and generous legroom, although the tapering roofline slightly impacted headroom for taller passengers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a choice between two powerful engines. The S500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder 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 came with 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. Fuel consumption was 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 Honda Accord Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 204 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via a CVT, with no AWD option. The Accord Hybrid offered smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. While not as powerful as the S-Class, it provided sufficient power for highway driving and had a comfortable suspension that absorbed road imperfections. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, allowing for fine-tuning and easier adaptation for drivers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin. It featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 510-litre trunk. The interior was equipped with six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. Front seats were rapid-heating with active multicontour features, while the Executive Rear Seating package in the S580 added reclining and massaging options. The S-Class's doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid shared its cabin layout with the Civic and CR-V, featuring a honeycomb mesh trim and a user-friendly dashboard. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Accord Hybrid had a traditional gearshift and a dedicated volume control knob. The front seats provided excellent support, while the rear offered generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly compromised by the roofline. The trunk had a capacity of 473 litres, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel was customizable, and an optional 3D instrument cluster added depth. The S-Class featured augmented video for navigation and an available augmented reality HUD. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system provided high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system for an immersive experience. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering enhanced performance and maneuverability.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauges. The Touring trim included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also included. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical volume and climate control buttons for ease of use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a robust set of safety features, including a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Touring trim added parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.