2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior design, but with significant aerodynamic improvements, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. It was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a 1.3-inch increase in length and a 2-inch longer wheelbase. The car's size was imposing, complemented by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 20-inch or 21-inch options, with the 20-inch wheels filling the wheel wells nicely.

Inside, the S-Class was designed around its infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, which dominated the dashboard. Mercedes decluttered the interior, removing the rotary controller and replacing round air vents with rectangular ones. The cabin featured extensive ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and 64 color options. High-quality materials like Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays were used, although the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while not dramatic in styling, was two inches wider than its predecessor and featured a subtle front end with a signature hood scoop. The front fascia had a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. The side profile was cleaner, with black plastic cladding that improved aerodynamics and paid homage to the car's rally heritage. The rear fenders flared outward, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. The Premium-trim tester included LED fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a trunk-mounted lip spoiler.

Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish. The D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, carbon-fiber-pattern trim, and black cloth seats with red stitching set it apart from other Subaru models. The interior was modern and comfortable, with supportive sport seats that didn't feel too tight. The WRX's practicality was enhanced by its 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 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, with both having a top speed of 130 mph. The S-Class came with standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control suspension system. Rear-wheel steering was also available, reducing the turning circle by seven feet. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the power increase was minimal compared to the previous model, the WRX's performance was still commendable. The car came with standard all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission was precise and easy to handle, while the CVT provided faster shift times. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, reduced body roll and improved ride quality. The car felt stable and composed on challenging roads, thanks to its new platform and suspension tuning.

The 2021 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 some competitors. The power-adjustable front seats had 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with head restraints featuring tiny pillows. The center console had a large storage bin and a wireless phone charger. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2022 WRX had a cargo capacity of 12.5 cubic feet, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional space. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth materials in the base and Premium trims and Ultrasuede in the Limited and GT trims. The seats provided ample bolstering without feeling tight. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and comfortable seats made it a practical and viable commuter vehicle.

The 2021 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. It had six USB ports and an optional 30-speaker Burmester audio system. The updated MBUX infotainment system had 50% more computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The system included an augmented-reality head-up display and a voice-control system that worked from all seats. The digital instrument cluster had beautiful graphics, but the steering-wheel touchpads were small and hard to use. The ambient lighting reacted to certain functions, but it seemed more like a gimmick.

The 2022 WRX's Starlink infotainment system featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen in premium trims and higher. The system had physical controls for climate control, power, volume, tuning, and defrost functions. Apple CarPlay displayed across nearly the whole screen, while Android Auto only used the top half. The base trim had two 7-inch displays stacked on top of each other. The WRX was also available with an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system.

The 2021 S-Class had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured a rear-passenger airbag and standard driver-assist features like 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 adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed better than most competitors.

The 2022 WRX's safety features depended on the transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. The manual WRX did not have EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during panic stops. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Limited and GT trims. The Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and the car had seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag.