2023 Dodge Charger vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, continued to impress with its luxurious design and electrification efforts. The S 580e plug-in hybrid model, featuring a 4Matic all-wheel drive, showcased a sophisticated exterior with optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with our tester featuring Sienna Brown and Black leather. The interior boasted a panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish, with exceptionally soft headrests enhancing passenger comfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger retained its distinctive and modern appearance, despite its aging design dating back to 2011. The R/T Scatpack Swinger model featured a widebody kit with flared fenders, 305-mm-wide tires on 20-inch wheels, and a large hood scoop. The exterior design was complemented by deep-dish bronze wheels, oversized front doors, and a matte black decklid spoiler. The interior, however, felt dated with its small touchscreen and plasticky knobs, though it included green stitching and a Swinger badge for added flair. The Charger offered a basic yet adequate space for its occupants.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and electric motor, delivering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It offered an impressive 56 miles of all-electric range and achieved an MPGe of 51 combined, with our testing reaching 53.9 mpg. The S 580e accelerated from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds, matching the performance of the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The car's air suspension provided a smooth ride, and rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability.

The 2023 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing up to 300 horsepower. However, the real excitement lay in the Hemi V8 options. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter V8 with 370 hp, while the Scatpack Swinger boasted a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat models, with their supercharged 6.2-liter V8s, delivered up to 807 hp in the Redeye Jailbreak variant. The Charger excelled in handling, with good front-end grip and precise steering, though it was best suited for straight-line speed and drag racing.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. The interior offered ambient lighting with 64 colors and the Energizing Comfort wellness program. However, the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet in the plug-in hybrid model.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its size, felt cramped inside, with limited rear legroom and headroom. The trunk, however, was spacious at 16.5 cubic feet. The Charger's controls were user-friendly, with large buttons and switches for climate control, lighting, and audio systems, providing a familiar and distraction-free experience.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a native navigation system with augmented reality. The system included games for entertainment during charging and a Burmester sound system for audiophiles.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect system and advanced driver-assistance features. Its 8.4-inch touchscreen was small but offered wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of performance settings, including launch control and line lock for drag racing enthusiasts.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Its hands-on highway driver-assist system and Crosswind Assist added to its safety credentials. However, it had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Dodge Charger received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, with optional safety features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control available on select models. However, these features were not available on Hellcat models, and the backup camera was of low quality.