2023 Honda Accord vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its stunning design from the previous year, following a comprehensive makeover that left many in awe. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its lineage traced back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, with the current iteration representing the seventh generation, known as the W223. The S-Class was Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, offering only the S500 and S580 sedans for this model year. Its sleek exterior, characterized by a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, exuded elegance. The interior was equally impressive, featuring a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. High-quality materials adorned the cabin, meticulously fitted and assembled.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign, adopting a more technical and conservative appearance. The hybrid powertrain became standard on most trim levels, with the base EX variant being the only gas-only model in Canada. The Accord EX, priced at $37,000, featured a dark grille, LED headlights, and a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered compliments. Inside, the Accord EX boasted durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and metal mesh dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected attention to detail and refinement. While the Accord's design was modern, some preferred the character of the previous model. Overall, the Accord EX was well-outfitted for its price and class.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both business and pleasure, offering a serene commuting experience and exhilarating weekend drives. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost system added up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque during high-demand situations. The S580 model, with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, also benefited from the EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick, with 0-100 km/h times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. Fuel consumption for the S500 was 11.4 L/100 km city/8.0 highway/9.9 combined, while the S580 was rated at 14.3 L/100 km city/9.5 highway/12.2 combined.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) powered the front wheels, and the Accord featured a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. The Accord's fuel efficiency was rated at 7.3 L/100 km combined, though our test car returned 8.2 L/100 km due to high temperatures and continuous air conditioning use. The Accord's ride quality was communicative yet quiet, with excellent brake pedal modulation. While the CVT's Sport mode was less satisfying, the Accord's steering was precise, and the suspension effectively suppressed unwanted body motions. The Accord's brakes performed well, even in extreme heat, though the tires squealed during aggressive cornering.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with ample storage. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 510-litre trunk provided generous cargo space. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. The driver and front passenger benefited from rapid-heating active multicontour seats with memory and lumbar support. Optional features included ventilated seats, heated armrests, and the "Energizing Kinetics" system. The Executive Rear Seating package, exclusive to the S580, catered to chauffeured passengers with a 43-degree recline, power calf rest, and rear controls. The S-Class's soft-close doors prevented slamming, even if reaching them was challenging.

In Canada, the 2023 Honda Accord came standard with heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Accord EX also featured a power sunroof, though some desired a power-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports. The driver's seat lacked sufficient seat-track travel for taller individuals, and the hard plastic lining the centre console caused discomfort. However, the Accord offered ample rear legroom and easy entry and exit. The 473-litre trunk was spacious, with a handle for easy closing. While rear passengers missed air conditioning vents and charging ports, they appreciated the comfortable seating.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel featured customizable visual themes, and the optional 3D instrument cluster added depth. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display provided clear and futuristic guidance. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system adding headrest speakers. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering enhanced performance and maneuverability, reducing the turning radius to just under 11 metres.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. Two USB-C ports and an eight-speaker audio system were standard, though SiriusXM satellite radio was absent. The voice recognition system provided access to Siri, and the physical controls for the stereo were user-friendly. However, the tuning knob was a function control, requiring buttons for tuning and skipping songs. Overall, the Accord EX offered basic yet functional technology.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with safety features, including Magic Vision Control, which optimized windshield spray. Driver assistance features included active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, and active blind-spot assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the S-Class for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared warning messages. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2023 Honda Accord featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Accord also had a reversing camera, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. The Honda Sensing suite performed with accuracy and refinement, though the lane-departure warning could be improved. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.