2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 Kia Forte

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for that year, featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sport-tuned suspension, and active exhaust. It also had larger front brakes and 18-inch wheels. Styling modifications, such as revised bumpers, a black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, set it apart from other Fortes. Inside, the Forte GT boasted red seat piping, interior stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with polished metallic accents, creating a modern look. The transmission shifter felt solid, imparting a sense of quality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while not drastically different in exterior styling from its predecessor, had a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius. It was slightly larger in all dimensions, with a classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille adding a touch of ostentation. The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach. Ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and 64 color options added a luxurious touch. Interior materials included Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays, although the piano-black trim was prone to smudging.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. It featured a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) that delivered power to the front wheels. The DCT was well-behaved, and the car offered a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, and larger front brakes. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart. The Forte GT provided a firm, connected ride quality, with a sport exhaust that burbled with each upshift. It handled well on curvy roads, although it exhibited some nose-heavy weight bias and brake fade during aggressive driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S500 4Matic used a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The S580 4Matic had a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both versions used a nine-speed automatic transmission and featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system that added 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for short bursts. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class had standard air suspension and rear-wheel steering, which improved handling and reduced the turning circle. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and well-controlled body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available in the GT2 Package. The 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat provided excellent comfort and support, and the front passenger seat had a height adjuster. Backseat comfort was good, with proper support and air conditioning vents. The Forte GT had a hands-free Smart Trunk system and a roomy 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area. Interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor. It had segment-leading shoulder room, contributing to a spacious feel. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, although it was still less than other luxury sedans. The power-adjustable front seats had 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with tiny pillows on the head restraints. The center console featured a large storage bin, a wireless phone charger, and cupholders. Rear-seat passengers had a large console/armrest with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia’s Your Voice (UVO) technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, which performed well despite the car’s ambient noise.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six USB ports. A 30-speaker Burmester audio system and a rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet were available. The updated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system had increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The S-Class also had an augmented-reality head-up display (HUD) and personal profiles accessible with biometric or facial recognition. Some features, like the ambient lighting reacting to certain functions, seemed gimmicky.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It came with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and 911 Connect. The automatic emergency braking system worked at lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop. The lane-keeping and lane-centering assist systems worked well but required the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or IIHS. It featured a rear-passenger airbag and standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, traffic-sign recognition, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The S-Class’ driver-assist systems performed better than most, with lane-centering handling highway curves and adaptive cruise control reacting quickly and smoothly to changes in traffic.