2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, evolved into its own model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and functional air intake. The WRX STI version added even more aerodynamic components, making it the most aggressively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty exterior, the non-STI version maintained a somewhat understated look, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, however, was considered a bit plain for a new car in 2021.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while not drastically different in exterior styling from its predecessor, boasted a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius. The new S-Class was slightly larger in all dimensions, enhancing its road presence. Standard 19-inch wheels, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, added to its grandeur. The interior was designed around a prominent infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach that included ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and a choice of 64 colors. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim were standard, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split, making the CVT more responsive. The WRX's power delivery was impressive, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant upped the ante with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for even sharper handling. However, the ride was notably stiff, especially on imperfect roads.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the S500 4Matic, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the S580 4Matic, delivering 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft 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 came with standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control, along with rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2020 Subaru WRX's sedan layout provided excellent visibility, with a large windshield, slanted hood, and quarter windows ensuring clear sightlines. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front seats offered plenty of space, and rear seats were adequate for adults on short trips. However, the 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor, with segment-leading shoulder room. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though still less than other luxury sedans. The front seats were highly adjustable with 19 motors, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the rear seats could be power-adjusted with the optional Executive Line package. The minimalist interior design freed up storage space, with a large center console bin and a covered area for a wireless phone charger and cupholders. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console/armrest with cupholders and climate controls.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 7-inch screen, both featuring the Starlink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly and didn't overwhelm with excessive tech. Additional digital displays in the instrument panel and atop the dash provided key driver information.

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, supported by six USB ports. An updated MBUX system powered the infotainment, with increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. The S-Class also offered a 30-speaker Burmester audio system and a rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet. The augmented-reality head-up display projected navigation arrows, while the ambient lighting reacted to driver inputs. However, the digital instrument cluster's touchpads were small and difficult to use, and some features felt gimmicky.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, lacking crash-test ratings, offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including an industry-first rear-passenger airbag. Standard driver-assist features included 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. Mercedes claimed improvements in these features, with better traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed exceptionally well, handling highway curves and traffic changes smoothly.