2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class showcased subtle exterior changes from its predecessor, yet boasted superior aerodynamic efficiency with a drag coefficient of 0.22, outperforming even a Toyota Prius. It was incrementally larger than the prior model, featuring an additional 1.3 inches in length and a 2-inch longer wheelbase, giving it a slightly taller and wider stance. The grandiose presence of the car was accentuated by its iconic hood ornament and expansive grille, covered by a large plastic panel to house sensors. It came standard with 19-inch wheels, offering 20-inch or 21-inch variants as options. Our test model with the 20-inch wheels, part of the AMG Line package, was perfectly proportioned.

Inside, the S-Class interior was engineered around its standout infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, both prominently displayed on the dashboard. The design minimized clutter by eliminating the rotary controller and opting for rectangular air vents, giving it a minimalist ambiance.

Mercedes elevated interior ambient lighting, integrating around 250 LED elements with a palette of 64 colors, a drastic improvement from the previous count of 40. This illumination linked with infotainment and driver-assist features.

The quality of interior materials met high expectations, featuring Nappa leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim with aluminum inlays, and aesthetically pleasing Burmester speaker grilles. The dual-panel glass roof catered to both front and rear occupants’ preferences for sun and shade. However, the excessive use of piano-black trim on the dashboard and steering wheel reflected sunlight and attracted smudges, falling short of the luxury standard expected in the S-Class.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered diverse body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The E350 sedan featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variant was powered by a more robust 3.0-liter turbo inline-six with EQ Boost technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive system available.

The AMG-tuned E-Class variants, barring the All-Terrain wagon, offered an E53 model powered by an enhanced version of the E450’s engine. In our review, the AMG E53 Cabriolet stood out with its matte-finish paint and premium interior trims, though its base price of $85,400 could escalate to around $110,000 with added options. This model was tailored for affluent buyers seeking a blend of performance and luxury, featuring modern, bold aesthetics with AMG styling elements, larger wheels, a convertible top, and an eye-catching matte-blue finish.

Inside the E-Class Cabriolet, luxury was apparent with high-resolution digital displays and ambient lighting extending to the air vents. The Burmester speaker grilles and fine leather upholstery reinforced the high-end feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two primary engine choices: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and the S580 4Matic featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and included the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, which added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for short bursts.

Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.8 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580, with electronically limited top speeds of 130 mph. While swift for a large sedan, some competitors offered even quicker acceleration. Standard air suspension ensured a smooth ride, and the E-Active Body Control suspension system, available post-launch, utilized 48-volt electrical hardware for enhanced performance. Rear-wheel steering, a first for the S-Class, could turn the rear wheels up to 10 degrees at low speeds, significantly reducing the turning circle.

Our S580 test drive revealed strong performance and comfort, though with slight wind noise at highway speeds. The steering was precise, and the Sport and Sport+ modes effectively balanced body roll and ride quality during spirited driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque across a broad rpm range. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took just 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission coupled with the variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided dynamic performance. Multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed drivers to tailor the car’s character to their preferences.

The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system added to the driving experience, complementing the optional 20-inch wheels with performance tires. The E53 Cabriolet demonstrated versatility, excelling as both a relaxed cruiser and a vigorous performer on twisty roads. The car’s duality was evident during our test drives along the Pacific Coast Highway and the Santa Monica Mountains, with the AMG Dynamic Select system providing a palpable transformation.

Even in chilly weather, the convertible's heated seats, steering wheel, and neck-warming Airscarf system ensured comfort. Its three-season suitability made it ideal for spring and autumn drives, with rapid transformation to a closed cabin in adverse weather conditions.

The 2021 S-Class provided more front and rear headroom, and increased rear legroom compared to its predecessor. It also offered more front headroom than its competitors but fell short in front legroom. Segment-leading shoulder room contributed to the spacious feel. At 12.9 cubic feet, the trunk space increased slightly but remained smaller than other large luxury sedans. Some luxurious options like power-adjustable rear seats could further reduce cargo capacity.

The S-Class showcased ultra-comfortable front seats with 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Automated side bolsters reacted to cornering forces, adding to the comfort, although their operation could be disconcerting. Storage options in the center console included a large bin, a covered area with a wireless phone charger, and cupholders. Rear-seat passengers benefited from a sizable console/armrest with cupholders and climate controls. The Executive Line package elevated the rear seating comfort, offering a chauffeur-friendly setup with power-adjustable seats and four-zone climate control.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was designed as a true four-passenger convertible, accommodating adults front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rapid-heating front seats ensured comfort in cooler weather. The Airscarf system warmed occupants' necks, and sun-reflective leather kept seats cooler in direct sunlight. Ventilated front seats and a triple-layer acoustic soft top further enhanced comfort in varying temperatures.

The E53’s trunk space measured 9.5 cubic feet with the top raised, but half of this volume was lost with the top down. This limited cargo capacity was comparable to a Mazda MX-5 Miata's.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a standard infotainment setup with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB ports, and a 30-speaker Burmester audio system. An updated MBUX infotainment system powered it all, with 50% more computing power than the previous generation. The intuitive touchscreen-controlled climate and seat functions, while retaining crucial hard buttons for essential operations.

The augmented-reality HUD projected navigation directions, although it could sometimes be distracting with too much information. The digital instrument cluster displayed high-quality graphics, but the small touchpads on the steering wheel posed usability issues. Ambient lighting flickering in response to various functions seemed more gimmicky than useful. Driver profiles could be set up with biometric or facial recognition, adding a personal touch. The rear-seat infotainment system allowed input from rear passengers, ideal for those driven by chauffeurs.

In the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the MBUX infotainment system set the standard high with its complexity and user-friendliness. Two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays served as the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, remaining visible even in bright sunlight. Users could interact with MBUX via the touchscreen, center console controls, digital voice assistant, or steering wheel touch-sensing buttons. Personal customization options enhanced ease of use.

Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like WiFi service and augmented reality navigation overlay available. The latter overlaid directional arrows on the front-mounted camera feed for precise navigation. A head-up display and an impressive Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available. Challenges included navigating the menu structure and inadvertently activating the digital assistant by saying “Mercedes.” Convertible users found the voice assistant less effective with the top down due to wind noise.

For the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available due to its high price and low volume. However, it came equipped with numerous safety features, including an industry-first rear-passenger airbag. Standard driver-assist features covered adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, and automated emergency braking, among others. These features operated smoothly and efficiently, with lane-centering handling highway curves and adaptive cruise control responding quickly to traffic changes.

The steering wheel’s capacitive sensors ensured the driver maintained control without requiring steering inputs. Though many features were not groundbreaking, their improved execution set the S-Class apart.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The E-Class Cabriolet also featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Additional safety systems like Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound prepared the cabin and occupants for potential collisions, with the latter emitting a noise to protect occupants’ hearing during impact.

Active Parking Assist and the surround-view camera system facilitated parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist were part of the optional Driver Assistance Package our test car possessed. These aids performed exceptionally, with adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist standing out for their effectiveness.