2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Acura TLX was a stand-out in a crowded class of sporty sedans thanks to its assertive stance and captivating design features. An aggressively raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler set it apart. Its front grille, which seemed to burst forth from the central Acura logo, complemented the fierce look accentuated by jewel-eye LED headlights. The twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty aura. High-quality paintwork and tasteful chrome hints further enhanced its premium look.

Inside the TLX, Acura's dedication to a sporty ethos was apparent through thoughtful design and material choices. The interior was arranged to form a "sport sedan cockpit," with sections of the dashboard dedicated to different functions. The materials felt authentic—metal was genuine metal, leather was real leather, and wood was actual wood, lending an air of authenticity. The 10.2-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen appeared to float above the dashboard, contributing to a modern and intentional design.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured a cohesive exterior design drawing from other Mercedes models. The front end with its signature droop, the squared-off rear, and S-Class-like thin taillights created a stylish and recognizable luxury sedan. The massive Mercedes emblem on the grille made an unmistakable statement of its identity.

Its cab-rearward proportions, with a long hood and short rear deck, emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, setting it apart from its front-wheel-drive counterparts in the CLA and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights—with the option to upgrade to Mercedes' advanced Digital Light system—ensured modernity and functionality, projecting warning icons and marking lanes or pedestrians for enhanced safety.

Inside, the C-Class sought to emulate the sophistication of the flagship S-Class. It combined a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles, and prominent air vents, all complemented by nightclub-style ambient lighting in 64 colors. However, it did have MBTex synthetic leather upholstery as standard—opt for higher trims for genuine Nappa leather.

When it came to performance, the 2021 Acura TLX was equipped to impress. Acura developed a fresh 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that delivered 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Utilizing drive-by-wire and a 10-speed automatic transmission, the TLX promised dynamic driving modes—Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual—each offering a distinct driving experience. For better handling, Acura introduced adaptive dampers in the Advance package and bolstered the car's rigidity, boasting up to 100% more stiffness at suspension mounts compared to the previous model.

At the launch event in Michigan, the TLX, available only with SH-AWD during tests, showed promising agility and offered fun driving dynamics. The car demonstrated nimbleness and a well-balanced weight distribution. In Sport mode, it managed to mitigate turbo lag and provided a more engaging exhaust note, making it a pleasure on twisty backroads.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class hosted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to boost short bursts by 20 hp and 148 lb-ft. The car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, some delays in acceleration and rough shifts due to turbo lag and gear-holding issues slightly hampered its performance.

The sportier AMG C43 variant offered explosive performance with a 402 hp engine and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. The C300 4Matic, tested in New York’s Catskill Mountains, showed commendable body control and steering precision. It needed more encouragement to navigate corners fluidly—a contrast from the eager response expected of top-tier sports sedans.

Many of the performance choices made for the 2021 Acura TLX influenced its overall form and function. The shift-by-wire transmission allowed for flexible interior design, freeing up space in the center console for a control panel inspired by the NSX. The minimalist controls, enhanced by paddle shifters, kept the console uncluttered, and the interface housing the infotainment touchpad, cupholders, and storage cubby made it practical. Accommodating two adults comfortably in the back, the rear seat folded in a 60/40 split, accessing the 13.5 cubic feet trunk space, which measured 47.6 inches wide and 42.4 inches deep.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, larger than its predecessor, improved interior dimensions slightly—0.1 inch more headroom in front and 0.4 inch more in the back, with rear legroom increasing by 0.8 inch. It led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, enhancing passenger comfort. Despite minor dashboard glare issues and an awkward wireless charging pad location, seats were comfortably bolstered for spirited driving. At 17.9 cubic feet, its trunk was spacious, with a wide opening facilitating easy loading and unloading. The split-folding rear bench, though not specifically measured, allowed for more cargo flexibility, supplemented by an available power trunk release.

Acura equipped the 2021 TLX with a plethora of advanced technologies. The performance-oriented drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems were augmented by a 10-speed automatic transmission with additional controls like Grade Logic, Shift Hold, and Cornering G Shift to optimize uphill, aggressive driving, and cornering scenarios. These features worked seamlessly without driver intervention. Comfort-centric tech included ambient lighting, customizable to match different moods or drive preferences, and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system for a rich listening experience.

The TLX's infotainment system featured Acura's navigation with voice recognition, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display and sporty G-Meter and Turbo Boost Indicators.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class mimicked its elder sibling S-Class in technology setup. The base C300 Premium model showcased a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen, angled towards the driver. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced iterations could add a Burmester surround-sound system, head-up display, and augmented-reality navigation.

The MBUX infotainment system with Zero Layer setup helped display multiple items simultaneously, with functionalities organized into convenient tiles. Voice recognition and touch controls on the steering wheel aided driver convenience. The optional augmented-reality navigation provided real-time directions using front-camera feeds with overlaid arrows, enhancing navigational ease.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with comprehensive safety features in the AcuraWatch suite, offering adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and numerous airbags and structural enhancements like ultra-high-strength steel front door rings. New features included advanced airbags, pedestrian sensing and autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. Optional safety additions involved rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, surround-view camera system, and a head-up display.

While crash-test ratings were pending for the 2021 model, past accolades and expected targets kept hopes high for top ratings.

Similarly, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class integrated numerous ADAS as standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, a driver-attention monitor, and Pre-Safe technology. Optional features complemented with lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera, park assist, and enhanced adaptive cruise control with Distronic. The Car-to-X communication feature enabled inter-vehicle data sharing, forewarning drivers about upcoming hazards.

IIHS ratings were yet to be announced for the 2022 model, following a Top Safety Pick+ for the previous year.