If you’re shopping for a luxury sedan in the $40,000 range, the 2022 Acura TLX and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are great options. The interesting part is that although they compete in the same class and a, they couldn’t be any more different from each other. One is geared toward comfort and elegance, while the other is geared toward tech and performance.

I have had the pleasure of driving both the TLX and the C-Class. Here is a real-world comparison between them.

If you’re looking for a sporty drive, the 2022 Acura TLX is the better option

There’s no denying that the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the car to pick if you’re looking for comfort, but we’ll get to that later. For now, the 2022 Acura TLX is the car that I recommend for driving fun. The TLX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that makes 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, routed through the front – or all four — wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

It’s a fun engine to rev up to its 6,500 rpm redline, but the real star of the show is the car’s handling capabilities. During my time with the TLX, I put it through its paces through tight canyon turns, and it felt like the car was egging me on to go faster. I felt connected to the car, which is likely due to its well-engineered suspension.

Behind its 19-inch A-Spec wheels is a double-wishbone front/multi-link rear suspension matched to amplitude-reactive dampers, which keep the car steady in the corners.

The TLX A-Spec is fun to drive as its steering, suspension, and power are dialed in really well. The only downside is that its steering could be sharper, but I would be nitpicking at that point.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class favors comfort over sportiness

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class also has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, and it puts out 255 hp. The engine feels strong enough to move the car quickly, but it’s no rocket ship. That doesn’t matter, though, as the C-Class is built so you can experience the spoils of life.

As such, its 4-link front/multi-link rear suspension feels comfortable on the road, even on uneven pavement. Its steering effort is also comfortable, even at higher speeds, making the C-Class easy to drive at all times. In that sense, I wouldn’t call it “sporty,” so if you’re looking for an engaging drive, you won’t find it here.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a more plush and attractive interior

Speaking of comfort, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the car to check if you’re looking for a true luxury car. That’s not to say that the Acura TLX’s interior isn’t nice; it is. But it has a sleeker, more high-tech look than the Benz. It’s like comparing an Apple Watch to an old Rolex; the C-Class has an old-timey feel despite its updated styling.

That being said, the C-Class’ seats are more comfortable, its instrument panel and infotainment screen are more attractive, and its LED interior lights at night time are a sight to behold. Although the Acura TLX oozes a tech-savvy feel, the Mercedes C-Class gives you a classier experience for the money.

Which luxury sedan should you pick?

If you’re looking for the style and elegance that you would normally seek when you think of the word “luxury,” the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the better pick between these two cars. However, if you’re the type of driver that like to tackle back roads on the weekends but need to drop the kids off at school during the week, the 2022 Acura TLX will make you smile.

I know it did when I drove it. But the C-Class made me feel a little more important when I drove it. I recommend test-driving both to see which one fits you best.