2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the pandemic and supply chain constraints, which limited production and affected its market presence. Despite these hurdles, the TLX stood out with its sporty design, especially the Type S model in Tiger Eye Pearl paint. The car's design, based on a concept vehicle, introduced a new design language for Acura, featuring a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive look. However, this dramatic styling compromised rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized width but sacrificed practicality for style, with a control layout that required relearning basic functions.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class embraced a more timeless design, with long hood and short deck proportions, rounded forms, and bold detailing. The E-Class featured a star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillight illumination, and a chrome-defined roofline, ensuring its design would age gracefully. As it launched in Canada, the E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, with prices starting at $73,900. The interior of the E-Class exuded luxury and technology, with options like Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery and a Superscreen triple-display glass panel. The E-Class blended classic luxury with high-tech modernism, offering a plush and sophisticated driving experience.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The TLX's fuel economy was rated at 11.3 L/100 km in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. The TLX Type S, the sportiest model, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating to 60 mph in five seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. The Type S included performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. However, the brake-by-wire system occasionally caused a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered two engine options: the E 350 4Matic with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and the E 450 4Matic with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, along with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The E 350 accelerated to 96 km/h in 6.1 seconds, while the E 450 achieved it in 4.4 seconds. The E-Class excelled in comfort and ride quality, especially with the optional Airmatic Package, which included an adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering. While the E-Class handled curves and corners well, it prioritized luxury and comfort over sporty performance.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, offering excellent comfort, but the rear seat was cramped with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space, more akin to a compact car than a midsize model.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a choice of MB-Tex, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather upholstery for the front seats, which were heated and power-operated. The rear seat entry was challenging due to intrusive wheel wells, but once seated, passengers enjoyed good leg support and a tall riding position. The E-Class boasted 540 litres of cargo space, with a tall trunk accommodating full-size suitcases. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat expanded capacity as needed.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad and buttons. The system's one-to-one relationship between the display and touchpad proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TLX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The E-Class offered personalized driver profiles and routines, along with a 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system. The Superscreen Package added a passenger touchscreen and a video camera for conference calls, while the MBUX digital voice assistant provided quick and conversational responses.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package adding 14 advanced technologies. Highlights included upgraded Pre-Safe features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and adaptive cruise control. The E-Class's lane-centring assist and Automatic Lane Change function worked well, though some features like Active Speed Limit Assist could be intrusive. The ADAS was practical for daily driving, with a reliable lane-keeping assist system.