2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continued to impress with its luxurious design and advanced features. The S 580e model, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4Matic all-wheel drive, showcased a blend of elegance and modern technology. The exterior maintained the S-Class's signature calm sophistication, enhanced by optional high-gloss black trim and 20-inch AMG wheels. Inside, the S-Class offered a lavish experience with 15 different leather upholstery options, including the striking Carmine Red. Our test model featured Sienna Brown and Black leather, complemented by a panoramic sunroof and impeccable fit and finish. The interior's highlight was the incredibly soft headrests, providing unparalleled comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid presented a more understated yet appealing design. The exterior updates included a new all-wheel-drive option and subtle style refreshes in grille patterns and rear bumpers. The Corolla Hybrid's front end featured sculpted lines and wraparound headlights, adding a touch of sporty aggression. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid's design was minimalistic, focusing on simplicity and functionality. While the materials quality was not as high as some competitors, the cabin offered adequate space and comfort. The XSE trim added SofTex synthetic leather, enhancing the interior's appeal, though it fell short of the luxury seen in the S-Class.

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. This setup allowed for an impressive 90 kilometres of all-electric range, with a combined fuel efficiency rating of 4.6 Le/100 km. During testing, the S 580e achieved an average of 4.4 Le/100 km over nearly 650 kilometres, with 360 kilometres driven on electric power alone. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth gear shifts, although a slight jerk was noted when downshifting into first gear. The S-Class's air suspension and rear-wheel steering contributed to a comfortable and agile driving experience, with the ability to turn like a smaller vehicle despite its long wheelbase.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid featured a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid drive, producing 134 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. The addition of a 40-hp electric motor between the rear wheels provided on-demand all-wheel drive. The Corolla Hybrid's powertrain offered quick initial acceleration, but power built slowly, taking around nine seconds to reach 100 km/h. The dedicated EV drive mode prioritized electric propulsion, though it was challenging to maintain on open roads. Braking was consistent and easy to modulate, while handling was adequate for conservative driving. The Corolla Hybrid's ride quality was generally smooth, though larger road imperfections were more noticeable.

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, while ambient lighting offered 64 colours for a personalized touch. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. Interior storage was ample, though the trunk space was limited to 350 litres, less than the standard S-Class's 550 litres.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid provided ample space for front occupants, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The cabin's simplicity was user-friendly, with well-placed steering-wheel buttons and basic climate controls. Interior storage included a small tray for phones, cupholders, and a centre armrest bin. Rear seats offered adequate space for average adults, with 371 litres of trunk capacity. The rear seats folded for additional cargo space, though they did not fold flat.

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 wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a native navigation system with augmented reality, and a variety of games for entertainment. The Mercedes natural-language AI assistant responded to voice commands, while wireless charging and USB-C ports were available. The standard Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came with an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, upgraded with on-screen controls and improved voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with over-the-air software updates and dual Bluetooth device pairing. The infotainment system was responsive, though the JBL audio system was not available in Canada.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, 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 to the safety features. However, the S-Class had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS had not published specific results for the Corolla Hybrid, but the standard 2022 Corolla sedan received top scores and a Top Safety Pick+ award. The Corolla Hybrid included the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, featuring frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.