The luxury sedan class is full of options. It’s hard to make a bad choice here as each brand ups its game in the segment.
In this case, the 2024 Acura TLX and 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offer a more modern, sporty, luxurious sedan with many of the high-end touches one would expect in a larger, more expensive luxury sedan. Let’s see what these two have to offer.
2024 Acura TLX
Powered by a turbocharged 272-horsepower 4-cylinder, the 2024 Acura TLX gives a lot of power. The power plant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. If you move from its base Technology trim to the A-Spec model, you’ll get Acura’s All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). If that’s not enough, the Type S — with its 355-hp V6 — sprints from 0 to 60 in just 4.9 seconds.
Stepping inside, the TLX boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless charging pad. A faster processor powers the 12.3-inch center screen, featuring Amazon Alexa Built-in. The TLX offers numerous safety technologies, including blind spot information, Lane Keeping Assist, and more. Some of that technology costs more in the Mercedes C-Class. Pricing starts at $46,195, including destination charges.
Acura TLX highlights
SH-AWD: Called Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, this AWD system distributes varying amounts of power to individual wheels to increase grip, stability and efficiency. And it’s standard on A-Spec and Type S trim levels.
Quick stop: Brembo specializes in high-performance brake systems, with a client list that includes Ferrari, Porsche, and now Acura. It’s standard equipment on the S Type.
ELS Audio: Grammy-winning recording engineer Elliott Scheiner (Sting, Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters) is the golden-eared expert behind the state-of-the-art – and classic – TLX system.
Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see TLX models for sale close to you
2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Part standard bearer, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class it got an update last year that ensured it sits atop the luxury sedan class.
Powered by a 255-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, it sprints from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. That’s faster than the TLX, which boasts 17 more horses. If you want more performance, there are three AMG models to choose from, including the most powerful – and also new – AMG C 63 SE Performance with its 671 hp. That performance blows away the Acura TLX S-Type, but so does the price tag.
The interior of the C-Class is what one would expect from Mercedes: luxurious and spacious. All infotainment and climate controls are integrated into the 11.9-inch touchscreen. Also, the fingerprint reader allows for user-optimized settings; no resetting the temperature or radio presets after your partner drives. Of course, it comes with advanced driver safety technology that one expects in a luxury car. Prices start at $48,100, including destination charges.
Highlights of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Burmester’s Voice: Coming in at the mid-level Exclusive trim, this is another great fun to be had when driving a Mercedes-Benz and among the best surround sound systems available.
Driver Support: For $1,700, buyers get features like adaptive cruise control, Active Blind-Spot Assist, and lane departure assist. All-wheel drive is an extra $2,000 on some trim levels, though it’s standard on its top-of-the-range AMG line.
Added video: This optional feature adds arrows to the screen or overhead display, which makes life easier when navigating for the first time in an unfamiliar area.
Check this week Fair Purchase Price or see C-Class models for sale close to you
Similarity
The Acura TLX and Mercedes C-Class enjoy a low-profile and athletic appearance that suggests they are powerful and sophisticated. They enjoy many of the same appointments, including well-thought-out interiors.
Conclusion
First, who doesn’t love Mercedes-Benz? It is a name synonymous with luxury. This is really a difficult choice to make. The starting price on the Acura TLX is about $2,000 less, and you get some of the driver safety technologies as standard equipment that you have to pay for in a Mercedes. Still, seeing the star on the grille is hard to ignore. The Acura TLX is a value option, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers more luxury and performance — for the price.
2024 Acura TLX | 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
Starting Price | $46,195 | $48,100 |
Popular powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.0-liter Turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter Turbo 4-cylinder |
Horse Power | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
Contagion | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
Fuel Economy | 22 city/31 highway/25 combined mpg | 26 city/36 highway/30 combined |
Also Available | 3.0 liter turbo V6/AWD | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder with turbocharger/AWD electronic exhaust gas |
Measurements | ||
Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
NHTSA General Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Maximum Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
The base of the wheels | 113.0 inches | 112.8 inches |
Total Height | 194.6 inches | 187.0 inches |
Width | 75.2 inches | 74.2 inches |
Height | 56.4 inches | 56.6 inches |
Turning Diameter | 40.2 feet | 37.6 feet |
Bedroom, Front | 37.2 inches | 40.0 inches |
Bedroom, Back | 36.3 inches | 37.5 inches |
Leg room, front | 42.5 inches | 41.7 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 34.9 inches | 36.0 inches |
Shoulder Room, Front | 58.2 inches | 56.3 inches |
Shoulder Room, Back | 55.0 inches | 55.6 inches |
Amount of Cargo | 13.5 cubic feet | 12.6 cubic feet |