2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Acura Integra was a testament to Acura's cohesive design language, seamlessly fitting into the brand's lineup with its pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. It replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a more modern five-door liftback design reminiscent of the third-generation Integra. The vehicle's wide track and long wheelbase gave it a solid, planted look, while the embossed "Integra" name added a nostalgic touch. In Canada, the Integra was available in three trims: base, A-Spec, and Elite A-Spec, each with distinct wheel designs and performance all-season tires. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity with features like honeycomb grilles and high-quality HVAC controls. The Elite A-Spec trim offered microsuede upholstery, though it lacked ventilated seats, which was a notable omission for a premium vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exuded calm sophistication with its clean lines and sculpted front end. The S 580e plug-in hybrid variant featured optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers, adding a touch of sportiness to its otherwise luxurious appearance. Inside, the S-Class offered a plethora of customization options, including 15 leather upholstery colours and five trim materials. The Sienna Brown and Black leather in our tester, combined with a panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish, created an opulent environment. The soft headrests were a standout feature, providing exceptional comfort for passengers. Overall, the S-Class interior was a masterclass in luxury, offering a serene and indulgent experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a significant departure from its predecessors by introducing a turbocharged engine for the first time. The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, providing lively performance. The Elite A-Spec trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching technology, enhancing the driving experience. The Integra's handling was impressive, thanks to its wide track and long wheelbase, although it was only available with front-wheel drive. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system provided a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra also featured three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e combined a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering a total of 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid offered an impressive 90 kilometres of all-electric range and could be charged quickly with DC fast charging. The S 580e's performance was remarkable, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds, matching the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The air suspension provided a buttery smooth ride, while rear-wheel steering enhanced manoeuvrability. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered seamless gear shifts, although there was a slight jerk when downshifting into first gear. Overall, the S 580e delivered a luxurious and powerful driving experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 688 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height could be challenging for shorter individuals or those with heavy luggage. The interior provided ample space for front passengers, with a logical dashboard layout and convenient storage options. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the steeply sloped roofline. Despite these limitations, the Integra's interior was comfortable and well-designed.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. The ambient lighting system offered 64 colours, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls to enhance the driving experience. While the trunk space was limited to 350 litres, the interior offered plenty of storage options. Overall, the S-Class provided a lavish and comfortable environment for passengers.

The 2023 Acura Integra came equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch colour touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, and a wireless charging pad. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers provided an exceptional audio experience. The Integra's technology offerings were impressive, especially in the Elite A-Spec trim.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system included a variety of games, a natural-language AI assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The augmented reality navigation system provided clear directions with overlaid video from the forward-facing camera. The S-Class also offered wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports. The Burmester sound system delivered high-quality audio, enhancing the overall technology experience.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a new standard for safety equipment, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard. Features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered an extensive array of ADAS 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 provide a semi-autonomous driving experience. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist further enhanced safety. However, the S-Class had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.