2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was a marvel of cohesive design. It borrowed aesthetics from other Mercedes models, blending them seamlessly into a unified look. The front end mirrored the CLA-Class's droop, while the squared-off rear and slim taillights were reminiscent of the S-Class. The cab-rearward proportions emphasized its RWD platform, setting it apart from the FWD-based CLA-Class and A-Class. The standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to the advanced Digital Light system, enhancing safety by adjusting to curves and projecting warning icons on the road.

Inside, the C-Class aimed to capture the essence of the luxury S-Class. The freestanding touchscreen and instrument cluster, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles brought a high-end feel. The nightclub-style ambient lighting with 64 colors only added to this luxurious ambiance. Despite the luxurious vibe, standard upholstery was MBTex synthetic leather, with Nappa leather seats available on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to market dynamics and external factors like the pandemic and supply chain constraints. Nevertheless, the TLX stood out with its bold design. The eye-catching TLX Type S featured Tiger Eye Pearl paint and a performance wheel and tire package. Based on a concept vehicle, the TLX showcased a new design language for Acura. Despite using an FWD platform, it exuded a rear-wheel-drive look that translated into a strikingly dramatic design. However, this design compromised rear-seat room and cargo space.

Inside, the TLX's interior was a study in layered design, emphasizing width but prioritizing style over practicality. The dashboard's control layout could be distracting and required adaptation. The Type S featured a turbocharged V6 engine and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for enhanced performance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup allowed the C300 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The sportier AMG C43 variant boasted 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0-60 time to 4.6 seconds and increasing the top speed to 155 mph.

During testing, the C300 4Matic felt powerful but exhibited noticeable turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. The ride quality was luxurious, muting road imperfections effectively. On twisty roads, the C-Class displayed good body control and precise steering but required deliberate input to handle corners gracefully.

The 2023 Acura TLX, excluding base models, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine offered different IDS driving modes, enhancing driver experience. The SH-AWD system, standard on higher trims, provided mechanical torque vectoring to improve acceleration and control.

The TLX Type S stood out with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. With performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive suspension, and performance brakes, the Type S was a delight on twisty roads. However, the brake-by-wire system could produce inconsistent braking performance in dynamic driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered a sedan body style, abandoning the coupe and convertible options of its predecessor. It was larger, providing more interior space, with slight increases in headroom and rear-seat legroom. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom but lagged in front legroom. The trunk offered 17.9 cubic feet of space, the largest in its class, with a wide opening for easier loading.

Conversely, the 2023 Acura TLX fell short in interior space. While the front seats were comfortable and featured premium materials, the rear seats suffered from lack of legroom, compounded by the narrow rear doors. The trunk held 13.5 cubic feet, more typical of a compact car than a midsize sedan. However, a flat floor and enclosed hinges maximized the usable space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an S-Class-inspired infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the MBUX system and "Zero Layer" interface, streamlined user interaction. The voice recognition system was notably effective, and the optional augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance with overlaid arrows on the front camera feed.

However, the 2023 Acura TLX's technology was less user-friendly. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display required adaptation and proved distracting. The TTI occupied center console space that could have been used for storage. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with upgrades depending on the trim. The absence of wireless smartphone integration and the cumbersome nature of using the TTI were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class awaited crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA but boasted extensive standard and optional safety features. These included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, Pre-Safe systems, and optional features like lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and Distronic adaptive cruise control. The Car-to-X communication added another layer of safety by sharing real-time information between vehicles.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, offering driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and optional safety features like a surround-view camera system and head-up display. The TLX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.