2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2024 Nissan Altima

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, particularly the S 580e with its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4Matic all-wheel drive, continued to impress with its calm sophistication and luxurious design. The exterior, enhanced with optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers, offered a slightly sportier look than the standard model. Inside, the S-Class was a haven of luxury, offering eight different colors of leather upholstery and five trim materials. The Sienna Brown and Black leather interior, complemented by a panoramic sunroof, provided a superb fit and finish. The plush headrests and massaging seats added to the comfort, making it a perfect choice for passengers seeking relaxation.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Altima maintained a familiar design with a few updates, such as a new grille introduced in 2023. The Altima SL with AWD, dressed in Garnet Pearl Metallic paint and 19-inch alloy wheels, presented a conservative yet appealing look. The chrome accents added a touch of elegance, while the LED projector headlights and dual exhaust pipes contributed to a slightly more dynamic appearance. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable seating, though the interior design felt somewhat outdated. The wireless phone charger and well-placed cupholders added convenience, but the quality of materials, such as the leather upholstery and plastic parts, left room for improvement.

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. This setup allowed for an impressive 56 miles of all-electric range and a 0-62 mph acceleration in about 4.4 seconds. The S 580e achieved an EPA rating of 51 MPGe combined, but during testing, it managed 53.9 mpg over nearly 400 miles, with 223 miles driven on electric power alone. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear shifts, although a slight jerk was noted when downshifting to first gear. The air suspension and rear-wheel steering enhanced the ride quality, making it smooth and comfortable.

The 2024 Nissan Altima, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The Altima SR VC-Turbo offered a more powerful option with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, though it lacked AWD. The Altima's intelligent AWD system provided power to the rear wheels when needed, contributing to an EPA rating of 26 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined. The steering felt light, but the low center of gravity minimized body roll. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) managed power output well, though it produced a droning noise under heavy acceleration.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with luxurious features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. The power sunshades and soft-closing doors added to the comfort, while the ambient lighting offered 64 colors for a personalized experience. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined various features to enhance mood, though its effectiveness was subjective. Storage space was ample with small cubbies and a spacious center armrest, but the trunk offered only 8.1 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the standard S-Class and competitors like the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid.

The 2024 Nissan Altima provided impressive interior space, with front seats offering more room than several competitors, though rear-seat legroom was less than some rivals. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 60/40-split folding rear seat for additional cargo capacity. The Altima's interior was user-friendly, with comfortable seats and well-placed cupholders and cubbies, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

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. The system offered a variety of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a native navigation system with augmented reality, and a range of games for entertainment. The Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality, while the wireless charging and USB-C ports added convenience.

The 2024 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch display available on the SL and SR VC-Turbo trims. The larger screen offered crisp graphics and easy navigation, with static icons and an organized tile view. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with wireless versions available on the larger screen. The nine-speaker Bose stereo was underwhelming, but the NissanConnect suite offered remote features through the MyNissan app.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hands-on highway driver-assist system and Crosswind Assist added to the safety features, though the S-Class had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Nissan Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored four stars in some frontal crash tests. The Altima's IIHS rating was affected by poor performance in the updated side-impact test. Despite this, the Altima offered a robust suite of standard ADAS features, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving tech was available on higher trims, providing hands-off driving assistance.