2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 Nissan Altima

Both the 2020 Nissan Altima and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class captured attention with their distinctive designs and rich interiors, yet catered to different sensibilities and budgets.

The 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum model, priced at $37,825 including destination charges, radiated a sense of modern practicality. Equipped with stylish 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, it maintained an attractive appearance post-redesign. However, minor visual hitches, such as the uneven door handle alignment and the body-color lower rear diffuser panel, left some room for improvement. Inside, the Altima provided a clean, contemporary cabin with highly intuitive controls and satisfactory material quality for a midsize sedan. The limited color scheme of black or gray, complemented by matte chrome detailing and striated simulated wood trim, enhanced the ambience, ensuring no one felt shortchanged on luxury.

Comparatively, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivered understated elegance and high-tech sophistication. Its exterior design didn't drastically deviate from the prior generation but boasted a lower drag coefficient of 0.22 akin to a Toyota Prius, improving aerodynamic efficiency. The increased dimensions (1.3 inches longer, 2-inch longer wheelbase, wider, and taller) magnified its imposing presence. Our test model, equipped with the AMG Line package and 20-inch wheels, perfectly balanced grandeur with practicality, though 21-inch wheels seemed unnecessary. Inside, the S-Class amazed with a minimalist yet opulent design. The cabin centered around two prominent screens and reduced clutter by removing the traditional rotary controller, replacing round air vents with space-saving rectangular ones, and implementing extensive ambient lighting with 250 LED elements in 64 colors. Premium materials such as Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and intricate Burmester audio speaker grilles fulfilled six-figure luxury expectations.

Performance-wise, the 2020 Nissan Altima and 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class unsurprisingly demonstrated significant differences, reflecting their varied engineering priorities.

The 2020 Nissan Altima primarily featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering up to 188 horsepower, coupled with a CVT that drove the front wheels, and optionally, all-wheel drive (AWD) for the same engine. In the Platinum trim model tested, the highlight was the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (exclusive to SR and Platinum trims), featuring Nissan's pioneering variable-compression technology. This engine married V6 power (248 hp on premium fuel and 273 lb-ft of torque) with 4-cylinder efficiency, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive (FWD). Despite Nissan's claims of 29 mpg combined, real-world tests averaged 26.2 mpg. Dynamically, the Altima impressed with its strut front, multi-link rear suspension, 4-wheel-disc brakes, and electric steering. While the SR trim had a sportier suspension, Platinum's 19-inch wheels in combination with active ride and trace control technologies provided a balanced and responsive drive, making it enjoyable across driving conditions.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered robust powertrains focused on performance and luxury. The base S500 employed a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the S580 upgraded to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 churning out 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both availed a mild-hybrid EQ Boost system, adding temporary bursts of 21 hp and 184 lb-ft torque. The 0-60 mph sprint figures were commendable—4.8 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580—although some peers were quicker. The nine-speed automatic transmission, standard air suspension, and technologically advanced E-Active Body Control system combined for a plush, compliant ride. Rear-wheel steering reducing the turning circle to 36 feet proved advantageous. The S-Class maintained composure on twisty roads, thanks to precise steering and adaptive driving modes enhancing sportiness without compromising comfort.

Regarding interior space and utility, the 2020 Nissan Altima and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class catered to their respective categories with practicality and luxury.

The Altima, designed with NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats, excelled in comfort for both front and rear occupants, despite lacking a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats at its price point. Heated front seats and steering wheel, alongside a remote engine starter, bolstered its appeal in colder climates. Substantial in-cabin storage, augmented by USB-A and USB-C ports, satisfied daily utility needs, though the absence of a wireless phone charger was noted. The trunk capacity, at 15.4 cubic feet, averaged within the midsize sedan segment. Items like grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle demonstrated thoughtful design.

Conversely, the new S-Class expanded on its predecessor's spaciousness, offering more front and rear headroom and greater rear legroom. Despite class-leading shoulder room enhancing the sense of luxury, front legroom lagged behind competitors. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet but remained modest compared to other luxury sedans. Options like power-adjustable rear seats could further reduce trunk space. The S-Class’s front seats, featuring 19 motors for adjustment and amenities such as heating, ventilation, and massage functions, alongside comfort features like tiny pillows on head restraints, embodied luxury. The center console's generous storage, wireless phone charger, and easily accessible climate controls complemented the rear-seat amenities from the Executive Line package, reaffirming its chauffeur-friendly design.

Technological prowess differed significantly between the two models, focusing on usability and cutting-edge advancements.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system, although featuring an 8-inch screen now considered small, offered terrific usability with an intuitive interface, physical knobs, and easily accessible shortcuts. Standard connectivity options included Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while available enhancements encompassed features like satellite radio, navigation with door-to-door guidance, a premium Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The NissanConnect subscription provided varied services, from remote access to emergency notifications. Critically, the voice recognition system required specific commands, limiting its natural interaction.

On the flip side, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class showcased a technological tour de force. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen formed the command center, integrating seamlessly with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six USB ports. A 30-speaker Burmester audio option and rear-seat infotainment with 11.6-inch screens added further opulence. The upgraded Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, boasting a 50% boost in computing power, heavily relied on touchscreen interactions but maintained essential hard buttons for ease of use. Noteworthy was the augmented-reality head-up display projecting navigation cues, coupled with advanced voice control active from all seats. High-tech extras included biometric and facial recognition for driver profiles and the ability for rear-seat passengers to contribute to navigation. Despite some issues with steering-wheel touchpads and the ambient lighting system’s gimmicky integration, the S-Class's technology enhanced driver and passenger experiences.

Safety systems were integral to both models, with the Altima earning top marks from safety organizations and the S-Class pioneering new features.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360 across trims. While the base S trim featured forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, higher trims included pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and high-beam assist. Added technologies encompassed driver monitoring, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, fell short in reliability, necessitating constant driver oversight. The Altima's NHTSA 5-star overall rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick validated its robust safety credentials.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, yet to receive official crash-test ratings, nonetheless stood out with a vast array of safety advancements. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep and lane-change assists, traffic-sign recognition, driver-attention monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system, topped by an industry-first rear-passenger airbag. Enhanced capabilities like recognizing stop signs and road edges and capacitive sensors on the steering wheel to confirm driver engagement bolstered these features. The S-Class’s advanced driver aids adeptly managed highway curves and traffic changes, showcasing superior performance over less sophisticated technologies from other automakers.