2022 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Nissan Altima had evolved significantly since its inception in 1993. Initially characterized by its bland, rounded styling, the Altima underwent a transformation with its third-generation model in 2002, adopting a sharper, sportier look. By 2022, the sixth-generation Altima continued to embrace this successful design formula. The car featured a distinctive V-Motion grille, a low and wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. While the floating roof design was a point of contention, the Midnight Edition package added a compelling touch with its gloss black accents and sporty enhancements, elevating the Altima's already dynamic appearance.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exuded an air of calm sophistication. The seventh-generation S-Class, which debuted in 2021, maintained its elegant design with clean lines and a sculpted front end. The S 580e plug-in hybrid variant, with its optional high-gloss black trim and AMG-style elements, added a touch of flair to the otherwise understated luxury sedan. Inside, the S-Class offered a lavish experience with a choice of eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials. The interior was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to luxury, featuring a panoramic sunroof, superb fit and finish, and indulgent amenities like massaging seats and ambient lighting.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. Both engines featured direct injection, with the base engine available in FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was limited to the SR trim with FWD. The Altima's Xtronic CVT was standard across all trims, with paddle shifters on the SR trim. The VC-Turbo engine, known for its variable compression ratio, provided a balance of power and efficiency, though it lacked AWD compatibility. The base engine, while adequate, offered mediocre acceleration, but the Altima's suspension and quiet cabin impressed with a smooth and composed ride.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid offered 56 miles of all-electric range and could be charged at home or via DC fast charging. The S 580e achieved an impressive 53.9 mpg during testing, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth gear shifts, though occasional downshift jerks were noted. The S-Class excelled in comfort mode, with its air suspension and rear-wheel steering enhancing the driving experience, making it a luxurious yet capable performer.

The 2022 Nissan Altima served as a practical midsize sedan, offering comfortable seating for four to five passengers, user-friendly controls, and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4 cubic feet trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. However, rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima remained a competent choice for daily commuting and family use.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was a showcase of luxury and innovation. It featured massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors, creating a customizable atmosphere. The Energizing Comfort program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. While the S-Class excelled in interior comfort, its trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet in the S 580e variant. The standard S-Class offered more cargo space, but those seeking ample storage might consider alternatives like the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a range of technology features. The entry-level S trim included a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The advanced drive-assist display provided convenient access to various functions, while active noise cancellation and ProPilot Assist were available on select trims. The Altima's tech suite performed flawlessly during testing, enhancing the driving experience with seamless integration and user-friendly controls.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen center display. The MBUX infotainment system featured a prominent map display with customizable tiles and a variety of games for entertainment. The natural-language AI assistant responded to voice commands, adjusting settings and even telling jokes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a native navigation system with augmented reality. The S-Class offered wireless charging and USB-C ports, while the standard Burmester sound system catered to audiophiles.

The 2022 Nissan Altima impressed with its standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The SV trim and above added Nissan's Safety Shield 360, which included rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received high safety ratings, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. Its crash avoidance and mitigation systems were rated highly, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems. It included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, allowing for semi-autonomous driving. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the S-Class's safety features. However, the S 580e had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, leaving its official safety ratings pending.