2020 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Dodge Charger represents an all-in-one approach to modern performance. Unlike its Challenger coupe counterpart, the Charger is a sedan, providing the usability of four full doors and five-passenger seating. It offers a wide variety of potent powertrains, as well as the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD). The Charger also provides the latest tech and infotainment features. It may be a classic nameplate, but it is a very different approach to the family sedan. This also makes it a breath of fresh air in the modern sedan market.

Thanks to its wide variety of performance models, the Charger's exact competition is hard to pin down. V6-powered versions like the SXT and GT compete with the likes of the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, and Chevrolet Impala. But the available performance on tap with R/T and Hellcat models opens it up to a world of sports cars and muscle cars. Which model you select determines its rivals.

No matter the trim selected, the Charger provides a baseline of athleticism paired with a spacious cabin, large rear seats, and a large trunk. Together, these make the Charger a fun and functional new car, with styling that helps it stand out in a crowd.

The S-Class not only sits at the top of the Mercedes hierarchy in price and prestige, but it has also long served as a technological showcase. In the press release for the redesigned 2021 S-Class, Mercedes repeatedly noted the innovations—from anti-lock brakes to airbags—that were introduced on the big sedan and eventually trickled down to mainstream vehicles.

With the previous generation dating back to the 2014 model year (with a significant update for 2018), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was in need of an update to maintain that status, and to keep pace with other full-size luxury sedans like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS. To do that, the new S-Class gets a more sophisticated infotainment system, new powertrains, and more aerodynamic bodywork, among other features.

The 2021 S-Class launches in two configurations, both with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) and EQ Boost mild-hybrid systems. The S500 4Matic has a six-cylinder engine, while the S580 4Matic has a V8. We spent a few days with the Mercedes-Benz S580 for this review. A Mercedes-Maybach S680 4Matic version will follow in the first half of 2022, and you can expect a new AMG performance version sometime in the future as well.