2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan, a status it had maintained since the mid-1990s. Despite minimal changes from the previous year, the Camry Hybrid surprised with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end featured a bold, sneering face complemented by muscular features, while the base model sported 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering 18-inch and 19-inch options. Inside, the Camry Hybrid's interior mirrored its exterior's modernity, with a sweeping dashboard design and a large infotainment touchscreen. The second row provided ample space and comfort, even for the middle seat, and Toyota's high standards of fit and finish were evident throughout the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained its sleek and elegant design, a continuation from its complete makeover in 2021. The S-Class, rooted in a rich history dating back to 1954, represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's sedan lineup. Its exterior was defined by a long, low profile, exuding elegance and sophistication. The interior was equally impressive, featuring a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, providing a luxurious experience for both driver and passengers.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed with fuel efficiency in mind, making it an ideal choice for those looking to minimize trips to the gas station. The entry-level LE model achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.8 on the highway. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower. The electronically controlled CVT and drive mode selection offered a smooth driving experience, although maintaining EV mode proved challenging. The Camry Hybrid's handling was commendable, benefiting from a lower centre of gravity due to the lithium-ion battery pack's placement.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, available in S500 and S580 models, offered a blend of power and luxury. The S500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, providing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, delivering impressive acceleration and handling. The S500 accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds. Despite its weight, the S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel consumption ratings of 11.4 L/100 km city for the S500 and 14.3 L/100 km city for the S580.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable and practical driving experience. Its seating position was adjustable to suit various preferences, and the interior offered ample storage options. The second row was spacious and easy to access, with generous bottle holders and map pockets. The Camry Hybrid's trunk space remained at 428 litres, thanks to the low-mounted battery pack, and the rear seats could fold down for additional cargo capacity. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with a basic warranty of three years/60,000 kilometres and a hybrid battery warranty of 10 years/240,000 kilometres.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class catered to the needs of executive passengers, offering a luxurious and spacious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 510-litre trunk provided ample storage space. The cabin featured multiple USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The front seats offered rapid-heating, active multicontour options, with additional features like ventilated seats and massaging functions available. The Executive Rear Seating package enhanced comfort for rear passengers, with features like a 43-degree recline and power calf rest. Mercedes-Benz's warranty covered the S500 for four years/80,000 kilometres.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model. The system featured nine speakers and sophisticated algorithms for optimal audio quality. Embedded navigation was available on XLE models, while Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard across all trims. The Camry Hybrid offered a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE model and a 9-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Additional features included a smart key system, push-button start, and a 10-inch colour head-up display on XSE and XLE models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class showcased cutting-edge technology, with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen as the centrepiece of the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable visual themes, and an optional 3D instrument cluster added depth to the display. The S-Class featured 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 offered rear-axle steering for enhanced maneuverability.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Camry Hybrid also featured Toyota's Star safety system, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The vehicle was equipped with 10 airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Camry Hybrid received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with advanced safety features, including Magic Vision Control and a range of driver assistance systems. These included active distance assist, active steering assist, and active brake assist. The S-Class also featured Pre-Safe systems to prepare for imminent collisions and car-to-x communication for sharing road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.