2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid showcased significant styling updates, particularly with its streamlined front fascia featuring a modern "seamless horizon lamp." This design element, along with the repositioned badge and independent headlights, gave the sedan a contemporary look reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, while avoiding some of its more polarizing features. The rear end was updated to resemble the new Hyundai Santa Fe, with a wide "H" shape formed by the taillights. Despite these changes, the side profile remained similar to the 2023 model. The interior saw updates with a redesigned dash, a new T-shaped steering wheel, and a relocated gear shifter. The Limited-trim test car featured a basic black interior, with other color options available.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its classic luxury sedan appeal, with a sleek and aerodynamic design that emphasized its long wheelbase and powerful presence. The seventh-generation model, introduced in 2021, continued to evolve with smoother body creases, a larger grille, and retractable flush door handles. The interior boasted a horizontal dashboard layout, though the digital displays seemed less integrated. Premium materials like supple leather and natural-grain walnut trim adorned the cabin, showcasing Mercedes' commitment to quality. Despite its size, the S-Class remained maneuverable, thanks to features like rear axle steering.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered a front-wheel-drive system with a total output of 192 horsepower from its 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine and electric motor. It utilized a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience compared to the typical CVT found in hybrids. The Sonata Hybrid achieved an EPA rating of 47 mpg combined. The steering and handling were well-received, and the configurable driver-information display allowed for simultaneous viewing of the tachometer and hybrid power flow.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered four models, each with distinct powertrains. The entry-level S 500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 442 horsepower, while the S 580 upgraded to a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 496 horsepower. The AMG S 63 E Performance combined a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor, delivering an impressive 791 horsepower. The S 580e plug-in hybrid, tested here, offered 503 horsepower and an estimated 48 miles of electric range. The S-Class excelled in providing a smooth and refined driving experience, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power, and a suspension tuned for comfort.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid provided competitive interior space, with 37.8 inches of front-seat headroom with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat headroom was also competitive, and the front row prioritized legroom with 46.1 inches. The Limited-trim test car featured heated and ventilated seats, a slimmer steering wheel, and a convenient trunk close button.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered spacious and comfortable front seats, with standard heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The rear seats were equally accommodating, with optional features like a power footrest and executive passenger-side rear seat. Cargo capacity was limited to 8.1 cubic feet for the S 580e, though other models offered up to 12.8 cubic feet. The trunk was practical, with a center pass-through door and a flip-down hook for securing items.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a curved display combining the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display. The driver's side front USB-C port offered selectable functionality, allowing for data-transmitting or charging-only modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on all trims, and the Limited trim included navigation, voice recognition, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a Burmester surround-sound system. The Pinnacle trim added rear-seat amenities like an infotainment-system tablet and entertainment system. The voice-control technology was highly accurate, though the capacitive touch controls were less user-friendly.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added features like a blind-spot-view monitor and Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist system. The safety features were easy to access and manage through the infotainment system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Pinnacle trim added rear-seat side and seatbelt airbags. The adaptive cruise control was particularly praised for its smooth operation.