2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continued to impress with its seventh-generation design, which debuted in 2021. The S 580e model, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4Matic all-wheel drive, showcased the brand's commitment to electrification. The exterior maintained its calm sophistication with clean lines and a sculpted front end, while optional high-gloss black trim and 20-inch AMG wheels added a touch of sportiness. Inside, the S-Class offered a luxurious experience with 15 leather upholstery options, including Sienna Brown and Black, and five trim materials. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish, along with soft headrests, enhanced the comfort for passengers.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the consumer shift to SUVs and supply chain constraints. Despite these hurdles, the TLX Type S stood out with its sporty design and Tiger Eye Pearl paint. Priced at approximately $67,500 in Canada, it featured a performance wheel and tire package. The TLX's design, based on a concept vehicle, emphasized a long, low, and lean profile, though it compromised rear-seat headroom and cargo space. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard design prioritized style over practicality, with a control layout that required some adjustment. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and SH-AWD, offered a thrilling driving experience, though the brake-by-wire system occasionally detracted from the overall performance.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and electric motor, delivering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It offered an impressive 90 kilometres of all-electric range and could be charged at home in about two hours and 20 minutes. The S 580e achieved a combined rating of 4.6 Le/100 km, with a test average of 4.4 Le/100 km over nearly 650 kilometres. The PHEV accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds, matching the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The S-Class excelled in comfort mode, with a buttery soft air suspension and rear-wheel steering for agile handling. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear shifts, though a slight jerk was noted when downshifting into first gear.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and had 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. The TLX Type S averaged 11.8 L/100 km during testing, with a curb weight of 2,350 kilograms. Despite some minor issues, the TLX Type S delivered an enjoyable driving experience with excellent grip and handling.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. Power sunshades and soft-closing doors added to the luxury experience. The ambient lighting offered 64 colours for a customizable atmosphere. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. The S-Class provided ample storage with small cubbies and a spacious centre armrest, though the trunk space was limited to 350 litres. The standard S-Class offered 550 litres, while the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid provided over 403 litres.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel had analog gauges with low-contrast red markings. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation. However, the rear seat comfort was compromised by narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, more akin to a compact car. The design prioritized style, preserving the concept car's long hood and dramatic side sculpturing.

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 MBUX infotainment system. The system featured a map-based home screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a variety of games. The natural-language AI assistant responded to voice commands, adjusting settings and even telling jokes. The augmented reality navigation system provided numerical addresses and arrows overlaid on a video from the forward-facing camera. Wireless charging and USB-C ports were available, along with a Burmester sound system.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a touchpad and buttons. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the screen proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the TTI occupied valuable centre console space.

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 added to the safety package. However, the S-Class had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

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, a wiper de-icer system, and a surround-view camera. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety. The IIHS awarded the TLX a Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall crash-test rating.