Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Acura Integra

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class made a notable impression with its design that aimed to counter the cold and technical aesthetic of many modern vehicles. Boasting long hood and short deck proportions, it featured softly rounded forms, cleanly penned flanks, and bold detailing. The distinctive character included a star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillight illumination, a sweep of chrome defining the roofline, and an array of expressive wheel designs that contributed to its classic yet contemporary look. The look was expected to age gracefully, exuding an elegance that was both timeless and refined.

When the new E-Class was released, it initially came in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, each in a sedan body style. The starting price was set at $62,300, with an additional destination charge of $1,150. Given the standard equipment, this entry price was appealing, though many of the more sophisticated features were bundled into various option packages related to comfort, technology, and safety. Our test unit, an E 350 4Matic with nearly all options ticked, came up to a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $82,450, including the destination charge.

The interior of our loaded test vehicle was luxurious and technologically advanced. It was adorned with Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery and featured a Superscreen triple-display glass panel across the dashboard, providing a plush yet high-tech environment. Adding to the opulence were the attractive wood with aluminum inlays on the center console, an active ambient lighting system, and an interior design that blended classic luxury with modern technology seamlessly.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S stood out due to its aggressive detailing and widebody appearance, thanks in part to components it shared with the Honda Civic Type R. The Type S featured significant modifications in its drivetrain, suspension, steering, and brakes, enhancing its performance prowess. The front end was redesigned to make room for a 3.1-inch increase in front track width, 19-inch wheels, aerodynamic aids, and the cooling requirements of its engine and brakes.

The rear track was also widened by 1.9 inches, complemented by a lower body kit and glued-on rear fender flares that connected the rear haunches to the flared front fenders visually. The look was completed by a rear lip spoiler and a substantial rear diffuser panel, with the Integra Type S remaining unmistakable due to its triple-outlet exhaust system that provided a raucous soundtrack when driven hard in Sport+ mode.

Priced at an as-tested MSRP of $53,785, including the destination charge, the Integra Type S was only available in a single level of specification. The interior retained the familiar look of an Integra A-Spec but added Type S emblems and Ultrasuede seat inserts. Depending on the color choice of Black, Red, or Orchid, the dashboard trim was appropriately matched. The cabin materials were consistent with the standard Integra, which some might find unsatisfactory given the car's price. Rear-seat passengers might especially wonder about the value, given the lack of amenities and slightly underwhelming comfort levels.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 4Matic came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. For those seeking additional power and performance, the E 450 4Matic offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with an impressive 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time in a swift 4.4 seconds. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. Furthermore, they included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter/generator that aided fuel economy and enhanced initial acceleration with an electric motor providing up to 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.

The E 350 4Matic, while delivering adequate power for most drivers and displaying notable acceleration, fell short regarding fuel economy, recording 23.8 mpg against the EPA’s combined rating of 27 mpg. However, the optional Airmatic Package equipped with adaptive air suspension and a rear-axle steering system gave the E-Class a sublime ride quality. Filtering road harshness while maintaining driver awareness of the road conditions, the E-Class displayed remarkable comfort without sacrificing handling.

Conversely, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S delivered a driving experience centered on performance. With a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it generated 320 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque between 2,600 rpm and 4,000 rpm. The car featured a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching and a helical-type limited-slip differential, all similar to the Honda Civic Type R. The suspension setup included a dual-axis front strut and multi-link rear system with adaptive damping, paired with dual-pinion variable-ratio steering and robust 13.8-inch ventilated front disc brakes with Brembo calipers.

Despite its similarities to the Civic Type R, the Integra Type S boasted softer tuning for a more compliant ride in the Integrated Dynamics Control settings. It offered an exceptionally engaging drive on the scenic and challenging roads of Ojai, California, effectively managing wheel spin, torque steer, and understeer. Adhering to the tarmac with unyielding grip from the 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, the Integra Type S provided a thrilling drive. However, the car’s insulation against road noise was lacking, making longer journeys somewhat tiresome.

Overall, while both vehicles had impressive drivetrains, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class leaned towards refined luxury and comfort, while the Acura Integra Type S emphasized raw, exhilarating performance.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class's interior brimmed with comfort and practicality, though not without minor imperfections. Up front, the driver and passenger seats were supportive, draped in options ranging from MB-Tex artificial leather to premium Nappa leather, and were both heated and power-operated with optional ventilation. Despite this, the center console's shape and lack of padding could cause discomfort for taller individuals. Rear-seat access was somewhat hindered by intrusive wheel wells, but once inside, passengers benefited from good leg support and a decent amount of legroom, although fitting three adults in the back seat might be a challenge.

The E-Class provided practical storage solutions, with substantial door pockets, a concealed center console bin that housed cup holders and a wireless smartphone charger, and another generous bin underneath the split-top center armrest. The trunk offered a claimed 19.1 cubic feet of space. While this seemed optimistic, the trunk's height did facilitate the storage of full-size suitcases on their sides, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat expanded cargo capacity further.

In comparison, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured sport seats up front with aggressive lower bolsters but less substantial upper bolstering compared to the track-ready Civic Type R, making them more suitable for everyday driving. These front seats were heated with black perforated Ultrasuede inserts, though only the driver's seat offered 12-way power adjustment. The absence of height adjustment for the front passenger seat was a considerable drawback.

The Integra Type S, designed as a four-passenger vehicle, provided decent legroom and footroom for rear-seat passengers. Unfortunately, the rear seat's bottom cushion lacked thigh support, and the backrest angle encouraged slouching. Storage options were limited, with cupholders mounted in the middle of the rear seat but lacking air conditioning vents and USB charging ports.

An advantage for the Integra Type S was its sportback body style, featuring a large liftgate and a 24.3 cubic-foot cargo area. By folding the back seats down, cargo space could nearly double, although Acura did not provide specific maximum cargo volume measurements. This setup offered the practicality of a small crossover SUV combined with the driving characteristics of a sports car.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a technological marvel featuring the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard configurations included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen in the dashboard center. The digital instrumentation could be tailored to four themes: Sport, Classic, Navigation, and Assistance. Optional features included a head-up display projecting a 9-inch image for speed, navigation, and driving assistance status.

Equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and augmented video navigation, the E-Class provided a seamless, connected experience. Personalization was a strong suit with the ability to save up to 800 different vehicle settings to seven driver profiles and programming routines for specific times or locations. Additionally, streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube were accessible through MBUX, and a Vivaldi web browser provided internet access. The 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system was optional, featuring Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio for a truly immersive audio experience.

The Superscreen Package, which our test car had, replaced the standard wood trim with an expansive glass surface across the dashboard and placed a 12.3-inch touchscreen display in front of the passenger. This package also introduced a video camera for selfies and video calls via embedded Webex and Zoom apps.

On the other side, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S sported a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch infotainment screen. While the graphics might not be as advanced as some competitors, the interface was intuitive and easy to use. The infotainment system wisely avoided the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) technology, opting for a more straightforward touchscreen with familiar buttons for volume, tuning, home, and back. Positioned high on the dashboard, the display and controls were easy to see and reach.

Standard technology included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system, powered by 530 watts, provided decent sound quality, although it struggled against the car’s inherent road noise. A native navigation system was absent, requiring reliance on smartphone integration for directions.

A 5.3-inch head-up display was also available, customizable to show speed, posted speed limits, and adjustments to the advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS).

Every 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was equipped with an array of safety features, but for the full suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package was necessary. This package included upgraded Pre-Safe pre-collision features, an Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering systems, and an Automatic Lane Change function.

When evaluated, the ADAS performed admirably, though the lane-centering assist seemed slightly uncertain on twisty routes and the Automatic Lane Change function faced practical challenges in heavy Los Angeles traffic. However, features like Active Speed Limit Assist and Route-based Speed Adaptation could pose liabilities in fast-flowing traffic situations, potentially causing abrupt braking when speed zone changes weren't immediately apparent.

On a positive note, the lane-keeping assist responded effectively, steering back decisively when the car unintentionally drifted close to lane markers.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S included the AcuraWatch collection of ADAS as standard. Notable features were adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the manual transmission meant the adaptive cruise control lacked stop-and-go, low-speed follow, and Traffic Jam Assist functionalities. Acura also indicated that the automatic emergency braking system was designed to reduce speeds rather than prevent collisions entirely.

Additional safety features included ten airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. The car's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) structure was crafted to disperse crash energy away from the cabin. Though we couldn't rely on crash-test data specific to the Type S model, the standard Integra’s top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety were promising indicators.