2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained the classic, elegant styling synonymous with the brand, yet nudged forward in aerodynamic efficiency with a drag coefficient of 0.22, even better than the famed Toyota Prius. The new model was 1.3 inches longer than its predecessor, sporting a 2-inch longer wheelbase, and slightly taller and wider dimensions.

The sheer size of the S-Class left a lasting impression, coupled with the iconic Mercedes hood ornament and grille disguised by a sensor panel. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 20-inch or 21-inch variants, with the 20-inch versions appearing perfectly balanced on our test car.

Inside, the design seemed devoted to the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, both prominently jutting from the dashboard. Mercedes dialed down the clutter, eliminating its rotary controller and transitioning to rectangular air vents, achieving a minimalist look. Ambient lighting was one of the standout features, with around 250 LED elements compared to the previous 40, offering a range of 64 colors.

Interior materials lived up to the six-figure luxury price tag, with Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and sophisticated speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system. The two-panel glass roof was a thoughtful inclusion, pleasing both first and second-row passengers. However, the extensive use of piano-black trim was a downside, as it gathered smudges quickly and reflected sunlight unfavorably.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having debuted its current generation a few years earlier, embraced a bold exterior meant to shed Toyota’s reputation for dull design. It sported scowling LED headlights and a wide grille but lagged behind Hyundai Elantra’s quirkiness and the cohesive styling of the redesigned Honda Civic.

Trim levels like SE and XSE received aggressive fascia treatments, while the Nightshade Editions flaunted blacked-out trim. Apex Editions borrowed inspiration from street racers, donning a body kit with bronze accents and shedding 2.2 pounds off their 18-inch wheels, which could be paired with either all-season or summer tires.

The Cement-colored SE Apex Edition in our test looked ready for a “Fast and Furious” cameo, reflecting Toyota’s effort to transcend everyday transportation. The TNGA platform shared with higher models like the Camry lent it structural robustness.

Inside, the Corolla’s design played it safe compared to its daring exterior, showcasing typical Toyota fit and finish but succumbing to unsightly piano black trim. The SE Apex Edition shared the standard SE’s interior, with no enhancements to echo its sporty exterior, and upholstery prone to stains.

For the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the S500 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The S580 4Matic upgraded to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 packing 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and included EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system offering 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts.

The S500 hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 accomplished it in 4.4 seconds, both capped at a 130 mph top speed. Mercedes’ air suspension stood out, with the S-Class debuting rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The S580 delivered a smooth yet spirited performance, although wind noise was noticeable at high speeds. Sport modes enhanced handling without sacrificing comfort, and precise steering left a lasting impression.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's performance diverged significantly. Lower trims like L, LE, and XLE featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE trims upgraded to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Apex Edition trims added a sport exhaust system for a racier sound.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with the 1.8-liter engine, while the 2.0-liter variants could be paired with a six-speed manual in SE and SE Apex Editions. Front-wheel drive was the norm, with an all-wheel-drive option expected in 2023. The SE Apex Edition’s manual transmission suited its sporty aspirations, coupled with exclusive suspension tweaks for a more engaging drive. However, its stiff ride quality was a trade-off. While fun in corners, the Apex Edition lacked sufficient engine upgrades, leaving acceleration feeling underwhelming.

The 2021 S-Class boasted increased front and rear headroom and more rear legroom, though it had the least front legroom among competitors. Enhanced shoulder room contributed to a spacious feel. Cargo space grew to 12.9 cubic feet, below par for luxury sedans, and optional power-adjustable rear seats could further reduce it.

Front seats, each with 19 adjustable motors, heating, ventilation, and massage functionality, set a new standard for comfort, though automated side bolsters had mixed reviews. The redesigned center console included ample storage and a wireless phone charger. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed similar amenities with options for chauffeur-level comforts.

The 2022 Corolla offered decent space but lacked specific headroom and legroom data. It improved outward visibility thanks to a lower beltline but struggled with forward visibility due to its steep windshield. The driver’s seat adjustments aimed for optimal positioning, yet knee space could still fall short for taller individuals. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel aided finding a comfortable driving position. However, seat comfort was squishy rather than supportive.

Cargo capacity was a competitive 13.1 cubic feet, behind contenders like the Honda Civic. A standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat and optional power trunk release were practical inclusions. Yet, limited storage for smaller items remained a downside, with shallow cupholders and an awkward phone tray compromising utility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class dazzled with its high-tech array, including a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen supported by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus six USB ports. The impressive 30-speaker Burmester audio system and backseat entertainment setup underscored its luxury.

An updated MBUX infotainment system offered enhanced computing power and intuitive touchscreen control for climate and seat functions. Mercedes retained hard buttons for vital features, ensuring usability. The standout augmented-reality HUD provided clear navigation cues but could be distracting with excessive information. Digital instrument cluster controls via small steering-wheel touchpads posed usability challenges, and reactive ambient lighting seemed gimmicky. Profile personalization and rear-seat navigation input reflected Mercedes’ commitment to innovative tech.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla trailed with its aging infotainment system. It featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model, with a larger 8-inch screen for higher trims. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, with a six-speaker setup, while an optional nine-speaker JBL system elevated the audio experience for select trims.

Usability was straightforward, thanks to menu home buttons and retained analog climate controls. However, some functions like selecting radio stations were less intuitive, and the graphics appeared outdated next to rivals’ offerings. Though functional for everyday needs, the Corolla's system didn’t offer wireless smartphone integration or signature features like Hyundai’s Digital Key.

As a newly redesigned model, crash-test ratings for the 2021 S-Class were unavailable from major safety organizations. Nevertheless, the S-Class featured comprehensive safety gear, including a pioneering rear-passenger airbag and an array of driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and advanced lane-keep assist, boasting enhanced performance for each system. Capacitive sensors on the new steering wheel improved driver engagement detection.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Toyota Corolla excelled in safety scores. It earned the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” with top marks in all crash tests, despite mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA also awarded five stars overall, reflecting strong results in frontal and side crashes, and a four-star rollover rating.

Under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, the Corolla offered a comprehensive set of standard features: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on higher trims but not standard.