2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle transformation, featuring an updated engine, minor exterior styling changes, and enhanced infotainment options. The Jetta Highline trim, which was the focus of this review, showcased these updates with a redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille, now adorned with more chrome. The rear also saw changes with standard LED lighting and a more squared-off bumper. Despite these updates, the Jetta maintained its understated design, likened to a nondescript suitcase. The interior received modest yet appealing updates, including new seat patterns and contrast stitching, with the Highline offering a two-tone leather option. The standard 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and 6.5-inch touchscreen display were notable tech upgrades, with the Highline featuring a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exuded luxury and sophistication, particularly in the S 580e plug-in hybrid variant. The exterior boasted clean lines and optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers, adding a touch of sportiness. Inside, the S-Class offered a plethora of luxurious options, including 15 leather upholstery colours and five trim materials. The Sienna Brown and Black leather interior of the test model was complemented by a panoramic sunroof and exceptionally soft headrests. The fit and finish were impeccable, and the vehicle was equipped with features like massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, as well as a heated steering wheel and armrests. The ambient lighting system offered 64 colours, enhancing the opulent atmosphere.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four, offering a slight increase in horsepower. Transmission options included a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic, with the Highline trim featuring the automatic as standard. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with estimates of 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined for the manual, and 7.7 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 6.8 combined for the automatic. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. However, the powertrain had its drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and some turbo lag. The drive modes offered varying experiences, with Sport mode providing a slight improvement in dynamics.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid offered 90 kilometres of all-electric range and could be charged at 11 kW for home charging or 60 kW with DC fast charging. The S 580e achieved a combined rating of 4.6 Le/100 km, with a real-world average of 4.4 Le/100 km during testing. The vehicle accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds, matching the performance of the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The S-Class excelled in comfort, with a buttery soft air suspension and rear-wheel steering for improved manoeuvrability. The hybrid mode offered smooth transitions between electric and gas power, with a seamless nine-speed automatic transmission.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The front seats offered comfort, though the slightly inclined edge of the bottom cushion might not suit shorter individuals. The driver-centric cabin featured easily accessible controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder, though the centre storage bin lacked a latch.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. The vehicle also featured power sunshades, soft-closing doors, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. While the centre armrest offered ample storage, the trunk space was limited to 350 litres, compared to the standard S-Class's 550 litres. For more cargo space, the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid or luxury SUVs were recommended.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster across all models, with the Highline trim offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The infotainment system included an 8-inch display with customizable views and widgets. The Jetta supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration, with Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and a premium Beats Audio sound system available.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen centre display with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The system featured a natural-language AI assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an augmented reality navigation system. The optional large colour head-up display and wireless charging were also available, along with a Burmester sound system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta came with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist were available from the Comfortline trim. 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 updated side crash test.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping to maintain a safe distance and change lanes when signalled. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist were also included. The S-Class had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.