The compact luxury sedan class is chock full of options. It’s tough to make a wrong choice here as each brand is upping its game in the segment.
In this case, the 2024 Acura TLX and 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offer the latest in sporty, luxury sedan looks with many of the high-end touches one might expect in a larger, more expensive luxury sedan. Let’s see what these two have to offer.
2024 Acura TLX
Powered by a 272-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, the 2024 Acura TLX provides plenty of power. The powerplant is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Moving from its base Technology trim to the A-Spec model, you get Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). If that’s not enough, the Type S — and its 355-hp V6 — races from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.
Moving inside, the TLX boasts wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a wireless charging pad. A faster processor powers the 12.3-inch center screen, accommodating Amazon Alexa Built-in. The TLX offers plenty of safety tech, including blind-spot information, Lane Keeping Assist, and more. Some of that tech costs extra in the Mercedes C-Class. Pricing starts at $46,195, including destination charges.
Acura TLX Highlights
SH-AWD: Named Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, this AWD system distributes variable amounts of power to individual wheels to maximize grip, stability, and efficiency. And it’s standard on the A-Spec and Type S trim levels.
Stopping fast: Brembo specializes in high-performance braking systems, with a client list that includes Ferrari, Porsche, and now Acura. They’re standard equipment on the Type S.
ELS audio: Grammy-winning recording engineer Elliott Scheiner (Sting, Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters) is the golden-eared expert behind the high-end — and standard — sound system for the TLX.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the TLX models for sale near you.
2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A standard bearer for the segment, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received an update last year that ensured it stays atop the compact luxury sedan class.
Powered by a 255-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, it races from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. That’s faster than the TLX, which boasts 17 more ponies. If you want more performance, there are three versions of the AMG models to choose from, including the most powerful — and also new — AMG C 63 S E Performance and its 671 hp. That performance blows away the Acura TLX Type S, but so does the price tag.
The C-Class interior is what one expects from Mercedes: luxurious and spacious. All of the infotainment and climate controls are funneled into an 11.9-inch touchscreen. Also, a fingerprint reader allows settings customized to a user; no reconfiguring the temperature or radio presets after your spouse has driven the car. Of course, it comes with all the advanced driver safety tech one expects in a luxury vehicle. Pricing begins at $48,100, including destination fees.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Highlights
Burmester audio: Coming in at the midlevel Exclusive trim, this is another of the great pleasures to be had when driving a Mercedes-Benz and among the best car surround-sound systems available.
Driver Assistance: For $1,700, buyers gain features like adaptive cruise control, Active Blind-Spot Assist, and evasive steering assistance. All-wheel drive is an additional $2,000 on some trim levels, although it’s standard on its top AMG lineup.
Augmented video: This optional feature superimposes arrows on the screen or head-up display, which makes life easier when navigating to a place for the first time in an unfamiliar area.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the C-Class models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Acura TLX and Mercedes C-Class enjoy a low-slung, athletic look that suggests they’re powerful and premium. They enjoy many of the same appointments, including a well-thought-out interior.
Conclusion
First, who doesn’t love a Mercedes-Benz? It’s a name synonymous with luxury. This is really a tough choice to make. The starting price on the Acura TLX is about $2,000 less, and you do get some driver safety technologies as standard equipment that you have to pay for on the Mercedes. Still, seeing the star on the grille is tough to ignore. The Acura TLX is the value choice, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers more luxury and performance — for a 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 |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 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 electric exhaust-gas turbocharger/AWD |
| Specs | ||
| 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 Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 inches | 112.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 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 |
| Headroom, Front | 37.2 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 36.3 inches | 37.5 inches |
| Legroom, 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, Rear | 55.0 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 13.5 cubic feet | 12.6 cubic feet |
