2024 Acura Integra vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, continued to impress with its luxurious offerings. The S 580e model, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4Matic all-wheel drive, was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to electrification. The exterior of the S-Class exuded calm sophistication, with clean lines and a sculpted front end. Our tester, however, stood out with optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and side skirts, adding a touch of sportiness to its otherwise stately appearance. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with our tester showcasing Sienna Brown and Black leather. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish added to the luxurious experience, complemented by the incredibly soft headrests that promised comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S was a performance-oriented vehicle with a widebody appearance and aggressive detailing. Sharing components with the Honda Civic Type R, the Integra Type S boasted serious performance modifications, including a redesigned front end, wider track widths, and aerodynamic aids. The rear featured a lower body kit, rear fender flares, a rear lip spoiler, and a substantial rear diffuser panel, making it unmistakable with its triple-outlet exhaust system. The interior, while similar to the Integra A-Spec, included Type S emblems, Ultrasuede seat inserts, and unique graphics on the digital displays. However, the quality of materials was not always up to par for a vehicle of its price, especially in the rear seats, where passengers might question the value.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, offering 56 miles of all-electric range. Charging the battery at home took about two hours and 20 minutes, costing $8.93 in California. The S 580e also supported DC fast charging at 60 kW. The EPA rated it at 51 MPGe combined, but our test achieved 53.9 mpg over nearly 400 miles, with 223 miles driven on electric power alone. The powertrain delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, allowing the S 580e to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear shifts, although there was a slight jerk when downshifting to first gear. The air suspension ensured a smooth ride, and rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S shared its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with the Honda Civic Type R, producing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev matching and limited-slip differential contributed to its performance. The Integra Type S featured adaptive damping, variable-ratio steering, and Brembo brakes, providing excellent handling. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, the Integra Type S managed to avoid torque steer and understeer, offering a thrilling driving experience. However, the ride was loud, and the steering could have been sharper. The small fuel tank limited its range, and the car averaged 21.7 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. Power sunshades and soft-closing doors added to the luxury experience. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors, and the Energizing Comfort wellness program combined various features to enhance the mood. Storage was ample, but the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured front sport seats with Ultrasuede inserts and 12-way power adjustment for the driver. The rear seats offered decent legroom but lacked thigh support and amenities like air vents and USB ports. The sportback body style provided a 24.3 cubic-foot cargo area, which could be expanded by folding the rear seats.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a native navigation system with augmented reality, and a Burmester sound system. However, the stoplight view feature was unnecessary, and all USB ports were USB-C.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S came with a 10.2-inch digital display and a 9-inch infotainment screen. The system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen, volume knob, and buttons. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D sound system. However, the wireless charger was unreliable, and the sound system struggled with road noise.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a hands-on highway driver-assist system. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist were also included. However, the S-Class had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured AcuraWatch, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the manual transmission limited some features, and the automatic emergency braking system could only reduce speed before impact. The Integra Type S had ten airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. While crash-test ratings for the Type S were unavailable, the standard Integra received high marks from NHTSA and IIHS.