2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, continued to impress with its S 500 and S 580 trims. For 2023, Mercedes-Benz introduced the S 580e, a plug-in hybrid with 4Matic all-wheel drive, marking a step into electrification for this luxury sedan. The S-Class maintained its reputation for calm sophistication with clean lines and a sculpted front end. The S 580e tester featured optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and side skirts, adding a touch of flair to its otherwise classic appearance. Inside, the S-Class offered a luxurious experience with 15 leather upholstery colours, including Sienna Brown and Black, and five trim materials. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish, along with incredibly soft headrests, made for a comfortable ride.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, presented a sleek exterior that could easily be mistaken for a luxury sedan. Its design drew comparisons to the Audi A7, with a refined and near-luxury look. The Accord was 7 centimetres longer than its predecessor, featuring a redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting. The Touring trim offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels with black accents. Inside, the Accord Hybrid Touring boasted a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and features like Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior added to its appeal, while cloth seats were standard in the Hybrid Sport.

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. It offered an all-electric range of 90 kilometres and could be charged at 11 kW, with DC fast charging available at 60 kW. The S 580e achieved a combined rating of 4.6 Le/100 km, with a personal best of 4.4 Le/100 km during testing. It 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 with its air suspension and rear-wheel steering, providing a smooth ride and agile handling. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered seamless gear shifts, though there was a slight jerk when downshifting into first gear.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with no all-wheel drive option. The Accord Hybrid offered a smooth and efficient ride, seamlessly transitioning between electric and gas power. Its suspension absorbed road imperfections well, providing a comfortable driving experience. The regenerative braking system had six levels of regen, allowing for fine-tuning. The Accord's agile handling made it relaxing to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder parking in tight spots.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers, 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. Storage was ample with small cubbies and a spacious centre armrest, though the trunk space was limited to 350 litres.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring honeycomb mesh trim that concealed air vents. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The traditional gearshift replaced the previous button system, providing convenience and ease of use. The front seats offered excellent support, while rear legroom and shoulder room were generous. However, headroom was slightly compromised by the sleek roofline. The trunk offered 473 litres of space, with a low load floor for easy access.

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 optional head-up display and stoplight view added to the tech offerings. Wireless charging and USB-C ports were available, along with a Burmester sound system.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauges. The Touring trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports completed the tech package.

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 centring, with automatic lane changes. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the safety features. The S-Class had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid included a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Honda Sensing bundle added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and more. The Touring trim featured parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.