2023 BMW 3 Series 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 sedan continued to impress with its sleek design and elegant proportions. The long distance between the front axle and the dashboard added to its sophisticated appearance, while the proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament highlighted its prestigious lineage. Inside, the S-Class featured a luxurious dashboard with open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. High-quality materials and meticulous assembly made the cabin a delight for occupants.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, received a mid-cycle refresh for the model year. The exterior design remained sporty with subtle modifications, including a narrow kidney grille and redesigned full-LED headlights. The lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches added to its dynamic look. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys, with an optional 19-inch upgrade, completed the sporty appearance. Inside, the 3 Series featured the new BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8, offering a 27.2-inch continuous high-definition screen. The minimalist dashboard design and driver-centric cockpit enhanced the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a choice between two powerful engines. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor. The S580 model came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also benefiting from EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. The S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds. Fuel economy for the S500 was 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, and the S580 was rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series continued with its established powertrains. The 330i and 330e models featured a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the 330e adding electric assist for a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The M340i model boasted a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and xDrive AWD available. The 330i accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the 330e in 5.6 seconds, and the M340i in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy for the 330i was 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined, while the M340i achieved 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided ample storage space. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The driver and front passenger benefited from heated and ventilated active multicontour seats with massage and memory functions. The Luxury Line added a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and rear-seat heating. The Executive Line, exclusive to the S580, upgraded the rear seats and included a high-end rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a compact yet comfortable interior. Front occupants had 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom, while rear passengers had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. Standard upholstery was SensaTec faux leather, with supportive power-adjustable front sport seats. The 3 Series offered 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with rear seats folding down in a 40/20/40 split. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen. The OLED technology provided superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel offered customizable visual themes. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality head-up display. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system could be upgraded to a 4D Surround system. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for enhanced performance and maneuverability.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8, combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive and customizable, with voice control via BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Available upgrades included wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced safety features, including Magic Vision Control, active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active brake assist, and active lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe system prepared the car for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, and Active Guard. The Driving Assistance Package added blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and park-distance control. The Driving Assistance Professional Package offered semi-autonomous driving features. The optional head-up display was part of a convenience package that included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.