2023 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, part of the seventh generation that debuted in 2021, continued to impress with its S 500 and S 580 trims. For 2023, Mercedes introduced the S 580e, a plug-in hybrid with 4Matic all-wheel drive, marking a step into electrification. The S-Class maintained its reputation for calm sophistication with clean lines and a sculpted front end. Our tester featured high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers, adding a touch of sportiness to its elegant design. 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 incredibly soft headrests, enhanced the comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger retained its distinctive look from its 2015 update, with a sleeker nose and sharper LED taillights. Despite its age, the Charger appeared modern compared to rivals like the Accord and Camry. The Charger Scat Pack Swinger, with its widebody kit, featured flared fenders, 305-mm-wide tires on 20-inch wheels, and a large hood scoop. The bronze wheels and F8 Green paint added a touch of style, though the 70s-style "Swinger" decals and badges were less subtle. Inside, the Charger's design felt dated, with a small touchscreen and plasticky knobs. However, the green stitching and Swinger badge added some flair to the otherwise basic interior.

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, offering 90 kilometres of all-electric range. Charging at home was efficient, with a full charge in about two hours and 20 minutes. The S 580e delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless shifts, though there was a slight jerk when downshifting to first gear. The air suspension ensured a smooth ride, and rear-wheel steering enhanced manoeuvrability. The S-Class excelled in comfort mode, with a smooth transition between electric and gas power.

The 2023 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing up to 300 horsepower. However, the real excitement came from the Hemi V8 engines. The Charger R/T's 5.7-litre V8 delivered 370 hp, while the Scat Pack's 6.4-litre V8 offered 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat models boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 with up to 807 hp in the Redeye Jailbreak variant. The Charger excelled in handling, with good grip and steering precision, though it was less responsive to mid-corner corrections. The braking system, featuring Brembo brakes on higher trims, was exceptional.

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 offered 64 colours, and the Energizing Comfort program combined lighting, massage, audio, and climate controls for a unique experience. Storage space was ample, though the trunk was limited to 350 litres due to the hybrid system. The standard S-Class offered 550 litres, while the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid provided over 403 litres.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its size, felt cramped inside. Headroom was adequate, but the footwells and rear legroom were limited. The trunk offered 470 litres of space. The Charger's controls were straightforward, with large, easy-to-find buttons for climate and audio systems. The touchscreen integrated additional features without requiring deep menu navigation, providing a familiar and distraction-free experience.

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, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system with augmented reality. The head-up display offered additional convenience, though the stoplight view feature was unnecessary. Wireless charging and USB-C ports were available, along with a Burmester sound system.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system and advanced driver-assistance features. The 8.4-inch touchscreen offered wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of performance settings, including launch control and line lock for drag racing. The Performance Pages displayed real-time power and torque curves, and Hellcat models featured additional cooling functions.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite 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 centring, while Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added extra safety. Crash tests for the S-Class were not yet available.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. However, it lacked standard safety features, with options like forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on Hellcat models and some lower trims.