2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, entering its eighth generation, showcased a more athletic exterior compared to its predecessors. The V-Motion grille, expressive headlights, and a variety of bold paint colors gave it a modern, dynamic look. The interior featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, textured plastic finishes, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, enhancing both aesthetics and comfort. The second row was spacious for its class, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split for larger items.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, following a complete makeover, maintained its sleek and elegant design. The long distance between the front axle and dashboard added to its sophisticated appearance. The S-Class featured a proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament, emphasizing its luxury lineage. Inside, the dashboard boasted open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. High-quality materials and meticulous assembly defined the cabin, ensuring a luxurious experience for all occupants.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for daily commuting. The Sentra's fuel economy was impressive, with 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and slightly lower for the SR trim. The suspension and steering offered tidy road manners and almost fun cornering, making it a well-balanced vehicle for its intended purpose.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder with EQ Boost for the S500, and a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 for the S580. The S500 produced 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor. The S580 delivered even more power, with both models featuring a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD. Despite its weight, the S-Class was quick, with the S500 reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. Fuel economy was respectable, with the S500 achieving 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, and the S580 slightly lower.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed for practicality and comfort. Features were well-placed, with a traditional gear selector, open cupholders, and ample storage. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort on long rides, and the Premium Package added power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a power-sliding glass moonroof. The Sentra's interior layout and features made it a practical choice for daily use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in luxury and comfort. The cabin featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk. Six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply ensured connectivity for all passengers. The front seats offered heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings. The Luxury Line added a heated steering wheel and armrests, while the Executive Line catered to rear passengers with advanced seating and entertainment options. The S-Class's interior was designed to provide a serene and luxurious experience for all occupants.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a range of tech features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth audio, and hands-free text messaging. The S model had a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR models featured an 8-inch touchscreen. The SR trim offered an optional premium Bose system and NissanConnect services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote access via a smartphone app. The Sentra's tech offerings were comprehensive, though some features were limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced technology. The 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen and 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided high-quality visuals and customizable themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and optional 4D Surround system delivered exceptional audio quality. The S-Class also featured advanced driver assistance systems and rear-axle steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. Standard driver assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted an extensive list of safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active brake assist, and active lane-keeping assist were among the standard offerings. The S-Class also featured Pre-Safe systems to prepare for imminent collisions and car-to-x communication for sharing road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags were available for added safety.