2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 BMW 3 Series

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked a sense of awe reminiscent of majestic marine life, with its lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille giving it an aquatic appearance. Despite its high price, starting at $40,750 and reaching $69,570 with options, the M340i trim was praised for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials and a focus on improved quality, making the price more palatable.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained a classic yet slightly ostentatious exterior, with a drag coefficient of 0.22 and a larger size than its predecessor. 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. The materials were luxurious, featuring Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim, although the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i trim, was lauded for its driving dynamics, thanks to structural and suspension enhancements, variable sport steering, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The car's 8-speed automatic transmission, while not manual, was appreciated for its performance, with a launch-controlled 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. The M340i's engineering package, including the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and M Sport brakes, made it a joy for driving enthusiasts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 429 horsepower and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 496 horsepower. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system providing additional power. The S-Class achieved 0-60 mph times of 4.8 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580. The car's air suspension and E-Active Body Control system, along with rear-wheel steering, contributed to a comfortable and composed ride, although it wasn't as driver-focused as the BMW.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered supportive front seats and a comfortable rear seat, although entry and exit were somewhat awkward. The interior featured high-quality leather and a heated steering wheel, but lacked ventilated seats. The infotainment system was well-integrated, with a user-friendly iDrive system and generous storage space, including a 17-cubic-foot trunk.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provided more headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor, with segment-leading shoulder room. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The interior featured ample storage, including a large center console and wireless phone charger. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control, enhancing the car's luxury appeal.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with multiple ways to interact, and included a head-up display visible with polarized sunglasses. The voice recognition system was particularly praised for its accuracy and ease of use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The car included an augmented-reality head-up display and biometric or facial recognition for personal profiles. However, some features, like the ambient lighting and steering-wheel touchpads, were seen as gimmicky.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required two Driving Assistance option packages for the latest ADAS features, but the systems were not always smooth. The car received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights, and the lane-keeping assist system was noted for its abruptness, encouraging driver engagement.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a wide array of safety features, such as a rear-passenger airbag and adaptive cruise control. The car's driver-assist systems, like lane-centering and adaptive cruise control, performed well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes. However, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available.