Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid showcased a modern and sleek design with significant styling updates. Its front fascia was streamlined, featuring a single slim lightbar known as the “seamless horizon lamp,” which added a contemporary touch. The badge was repositioned above the grille, and the headlights were placed independently below it, creating a distinct look reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, yet avoiding some of the more polarizing design elements. The rear end maintained its lightbar but adopted a new wide “H” shape, similar to the Hyundai Santa Fe. From the side, the 2024 Sonata closely resembled its 2023 predecessor, with minimal changes to its profile. In Canada, the Preferred-Trend trim came with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the N Line trim featured 19-inch wheels. The interior saw updates with a redesigned dash, a new T-shaped steering wheel, and a relocated gear shifter to the steering column. The Preferred-Trend trim offered a basic black interior with leather upholstery, while the N Line trim provided a light grey option with Nappa leather, suede inserts, and red accents.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its status as a symbol of luxury in a market dominated by SUVs. This seventh-generation model, introduced in 2021, continued to evolve with a more rounded and aerodynamic style, featuring smoother body creases, a larger grille, and retractable flush door handles. Its long hood and extended wheelbase suggested a spacious passenger compartment, with the North American version exclusively offering the longer wheelbase. Compared to its competitors, the S-Class exuded class and elegance, standing out against the modern Audi A8, the stylistically discordant BMW 7 Series, and the oversized grilles of the Lexus LS and Genesis G90. Inside, the S-Class boasted a horizontal dashboard layout, interrupted by digital displays that seemed less integrated. However, the cabin was adorned with premium materials, including supple leather and attractive trim elements, showcasing Mercedes' commitment to quality construction. The S-Class offered a luxurious experience, rivaling even the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduced an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for the first time, available on the Preferred-Trend trim for an additional $2,000. The N Line trim remained front-wheel-drive (FWD) only. The Preferred-Trend trim featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The N Line trim offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm, with power transferred via an 8-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Sonata's steering feel and handling were commendable, and the configurable driver-information display added to the driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered four models, each distinguished by its powertrain. The entry-level S 500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 442 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds. The S 580 upgraded to a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivering 496 hp and 516 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds. All S-Class models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, with mild-hybrid systems in the S 500 and S 580 for improved efficiency. The AMG S 63 E Performance, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with an electric motor, producing 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in an estimated 3.3 seconds. The S-Class's suspension prioritized comfort, delivering a smooth ride and managing body roll effectively. Rear axle steering enhanced maneuverability, making tight turns easier.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with 975 millimetres of front-seat headroom, slightly above the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and just below the Nissan Altima. Rear-seat headroom measured 950 mm, while front-row legroom was prioritized at 1,170 mm, with rear-seat passengers receiving 885 mm. Heated and ventilated front seats were standard in the Preferred-Trend trim, though ventilation was omitted in the N Line's sport seats. The steering wheel's slimmer rim provided comfort, and the trunk close button added convenience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured spacious and comfortable front seats, resembling classic wingbacks or lounge chairs. Heating, ventilation, and massage functions were standard, enhancing long road trips. Storage space for personal items was adequate, with moderately sized cupholders, door pockets, and a centre armrest bin. The rear seats were equally accommodating, with optional features like heating, ventilation, and massage functions available. The Pinnacle Trim package added rear-seat amenities, and the executive passenger-side rear seat offered a power footrest and adjustable front passenger seat. Cargo capacity was 535 litres, with a centre pass-through door and a flip-down hook for added convenience.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a selectable USB-C port, allowing users to switch between data-transmitting and charging-only modes, complementing the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on all trims. The curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display into a single panel, with the N Line offering a pair of 12.3-inch screens. The Preferred-Trend trim had a smaller digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system included logical and intuitive haptic buttons for climate control and media functions. The N Line trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, while a six-speaker system was standard.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, native navigation with augmented reality video overlays, voice recognition, a Burmester surround-sound system, and interior ambient lighting. The Pinnacle Trim package added rear-seat amenities, including an infotainment-system tablet and rear wireless charging pad. The infotainment system featured crisp graphics and quick responses, though the capacitive touch controls were challenging to use. The voice-control technology was highly accurate, activated by saying "Hey Mercedes," and capable of understanding various accents.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included standard safety features such as blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning detection, safe exit warning and assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, automatic emergency braking, and rear occupant alert. The infotainment system made it easy to access and manage these safety features.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered advanced safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, automated lane-change assist, evasive steering assistance, automatic reverse braking, a semi-automated parking system, and a surround-view camera system. These systems functioned flawlessly, with the adaptive cruise control providing smooth transitions. No crash test results were available from NHTSA or IIHS, but Mercedes-Benz maintained an impeccable safety record.