2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 Cadillac CT5

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 was a striking representation of Cadillac's future design language, heavily inspired by the Escala concept vehicle. It exuded a sleek and elegant aesthetic, with a design that was largely free of flaws, save for a debatable chrome spear on the rear roof pillars. The standard 18-inch wheels appeared well-proportioned, and the Red Obsession Tintcoat paint, though costly, added a touch of luxury. The CT5's interior, especially in the Premium Luxury trim with the Platinum Package, offered a high level of sophistication with premium semi-aniline leather and carbon-fiber accents, though some lower-quality plastics were still present.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained a familiar exterior design but boasted a highly aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient of 0.22. The S-Class was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased dimensions, giving it a commanding presence. The interior was centered around a large infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist design that eliminated many traditional controls. The ambient lighting system was a standout feature, offering a wide range of colors and integration with other vehicle functions. The materials used in the cabin were of the highest quality, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a choice between an unrefined 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more powerful twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The latter, available in the Premium Luxury and standard in the V-Series, delivered 335 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the Premium Luxury trim, and 360 hp and 405 lb-ft in the CT5-V. The V6 was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, the transmission's behavior in Sport mode could be unpredictable, affecting the driving experience. The suspension was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for everyday driving, though it lacked the engagement of sportier models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the S500, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the S580, with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system that added electric assist for short bursts. The S-Class was equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard air suspension, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The S-Class also introduced rear-wheel steering, enhancing maneuverability. While not a sports car, the S-Class handled well on twisty roads, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5's interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering true midsize spaciousness. The front seats, with 18-way power adjustment and massage functions, provided exceptional comfort. Rear passengers benefited from increased legroom and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was ample, with a large center console and door-panel bins. However, the trunk space was limited to 11.9 cubic feet, with a non-flat floor and enclosed hinges.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor, with segment-leading shoulder room. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though some optional features could reduce it. The front seats were highly adjustable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The interior design eliminated many analog controls, freeing up storage space in the center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console with cupholders and climate controls, and the optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 featured an updated Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system with a 10.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a navigation system and a 15-speaker Bose audio system. The CT5 also offered a high-definition surround-view camera system, a rearview-camera mirror, and a head-up display, though the speed-limit data was occasionally inaccurate.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 30-speaker Burmester audio system and rear-seat infotainment setup were available. The updated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system offered increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The S-Class also featured an augmented-reality head-up display and personal profiles with biometric access. However, some tech features, like the steering-wheel touchpads, were less intuitive.

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 offered a range of safety features, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The lane-keeping assistance was subtle, and the adaptive cruise control operated smoothly. The CT5 earned five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as a rear-passenger airbag, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The S-Class' driver-assist features were improved, with better traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed well, handling highway curves and traffic changes smoothly. Crash-test ratings were not available for the S-Class.