2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its design featured an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front of the TLX was bold, with a grille pattern that seemed to radiate from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal lines of "jewel eye" LED headlights. The rear was completed with twin trapezoidal tailpipes. The paint quality was exceptional, and the tasteful use of badging and chrome accents added to its premium appeal.

Inside, the TLX showcased a high level of quality and attention to detail. Acura described the driver's area as a "sport sedan cockpit," which was fitting. The dashboard was thoughtfully sectioned, with functions grouped together, and authentic materials were used throughout. Metal, leather, and open-pore wood were genuine, and the design featured tight, even gaps and matching fonts, creating a cohesive and visually interesting interior. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed at the top of the centre stack, appearing to float above the dash.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic appearance from the previous year's complete makeover. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class continued to make a strong case for the sedan. Its design roots traced back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, with the current S-Class representing the seventh generation, known as the "W223." As Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, the S-Class maintained its sleek and elegant profile, characterized by a long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, a design element that enhanced its elegance.

The S-Class's exterior was sleek, with a low profile that erased memories of past boxy designs. The proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament were tastefully integrated. Inside, the dashboard featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim, setting off the 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was separate from the infotainment screen, allowing each display to occupy distinct planes. The cabin was dressed in high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, providing a luxurious experience.

The 2021 Acura TLX was designed to excel in the premium sport sedan class, with a focus on the "sport" aspect. It featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) was standard in Canada. The TLX's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.0 on the highway. The TLX's performance was not just about power figures; it was about how the power was delivered, with features like drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and electric power steering contributing to its dynamic driving experience. The TLX was nimble and fun to drive, with adaptive dampers available on the Platinum Elite grade for a customizable ride.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equally impressive, equipped for both weekday commuting and weekend pleasure driving. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with EQ Boost, providing an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to the engine's 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model had a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, also benefiting from EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S-Class models were quick, with the S500 reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel consumption rated at 11.4 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway for the S500, and 14.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway for the S580.

The 2021 Acura TLX's design decisions had a significant impact on its form and function. The shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined gear selector mechanism, freeing up space in the centre console. The controls were simple and easy to access, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The centre console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and cupholders. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heated and ventilated options. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 382-litre trunk.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a roomy and comfortable cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The 510-litre trunk provided ample storage space. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The front seats were equipped with rapid-heating active multicontour seats, memory, lumbar support, and comfort headrests. Optional features included ventilated seats, heated armrests, and the "Energizing Kinetics" system. The Executive Rear Seating package offered additional luxury for the chauffeured set. The S-Class's doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, enhancing both performance and comfort. Performance technologies included drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting themes and the ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Platinum Elite grade added a head-up display, G-Metre, and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was a technological marvel, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel was customizable, with an optional 3D instrument cluster. The S-Class also featured augmented video for navigation and an available augmented reality head-up display. The audio experience was enhanced by the standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system, with an available 4D system. The S-Class's powertrain and chassis included EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, ultra-high-strength steel front door stiffener rings, airbags, adjustable head restraints, three-point seatbelts, LATCH connectors, ABS, vehicle stability assist, and a multi-angle rear-view camera. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a wide range of safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while driver assistance features included active distance assist, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist, and Pre-Safe systems. The S-Class also offered car-to-x communication and rear-passenger airbags for added safety.