2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic look from the previous year’s complete makeover. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to make a strong case for sedans with its sleek, extended, and low profile. The design, rooted in a lineage dating back to 1954, showcased elegance with a long distance between the front axle and the dashboard. The proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament added to its distinguished appearance.

Inside, the S-Class featured a luxurious dashboard with open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, separated from the infotainment screen, provided a clear and functional layout. High-quality materials were meticulously fitted throughout the cabin, ensuring a premium experience for all occupants.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the pandemic and supply chain constraints, making it a rare sight on the road. The TLX, based on a concept vehicle, featured a long, low, and lean design with a rear-wheel-drive look. However, the dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. The interior employed a layered dashboard design, but the control layout required some relearning, causing unnecessary distraction.

The TLX Type S, with its turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, priced at $59,100. The base TLX, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, started at $41,045. Option packages included the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, with varying drivetrain configurations.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in both weekday commuting and weekend pleasure driving. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with EQ Boost, providing up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, supplementing the engine’s 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model, with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, also benefited from the EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD. The S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. Fuel efficiency for the S500 was rated at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, and the S580 at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX’s driver could select from multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front calipers. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. However, the brake-by-wire system in the TLX Type S was less satisfying, causing a mismatch between driver inputs and actual braking.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a roomy and comfortable cabin with ample storage and cargo space. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided lushly carpeted storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The driver and front passenger enjoyed active multicontour seats with massage, lumbar support, and comfort headrests. The Luxury Line added features like a heated steering wheel and rear-seat heating, while the Executive Line catered to the chauffeured set with upgraded rear seats and a high-end rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offered premium Milano leather interiors with contrast stitching and piping. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges with brushed metal backgrounds added to the sporty feel. The 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats provided excellent comfort, but the rear seat was cramped with limited legroom. The TLX’s trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, more in line with a compact car than a midsize model.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced technology. The 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display (HUD) enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and available Burmester 4D Surround system provided high-fidelity audio. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering added to the car’s performance and maneuverability.

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 the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition system. The TTI occupied valuable center console space, making the wireless smartphone charging pad difficult to use. Standard infotainment features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and premium audio systems. However, the TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with standard and available safety features. Magic Vision Control adjusted windshield spray for optimal visibility. Driver assistance features included adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist, and active lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions. The S-Class also offered rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags for added safety.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.