2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2017 and restyled in 2019, remained visually unchanged for the 2020 model year. The previous year's restyle introduced a geometric-influenced appearance, setting the stage for the dramatically angular styling of the all-new 2021 Elantra. Available in six versions—SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited, and Sport—the Elantra's prices ranged from $19,300 to $24,150. The Limited test vehicle, equipped with the Ultimate Package and floor mats, brought the total to $27,630, including the $975 destination charge. The Elantra GT hatchback was also available for 2020.

A black paint job highlighted the Elantra’s angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, contrasting sharply with the chrome grille, beltline, and logo detailing. The result was a stylish small car, though not universally appealing. The interior received an upscale update with silver trim on various elements, but enough hard and glossy plastic remained to remind occupants that it was still a mainstream compact car.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while not drastically different in exterior styling from its predecessor, boasted a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius. The new S-Class was 1.3 inches longer, with a 2-inch longer wheelbase, and slightly taller and wider. The car’s size made a significant impression, complemented by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels were available, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The test car’s 20-inch wheels, part of the AMG Line package, filled out the wheel wells nicely.

The interior seemed designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, which protruded from the dashboard. Mercedes decluttered the interior, eliminating the rotary controller and round air vents, opting for rectangular ones. The ambient lighting system, with about 250 LED elements and 64 color options, connected to infotainment and driver-assist functions. Interior materials included Nappa leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflected sunlight.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, standard with SE trim, contributed to a $1,100 price increase from the previous year. All Elantra models were front-wheel drive. The Elantra Eco had a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, using a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and an automatic engine start/stop system, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving.

The Elantra Sport trim featured a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and an independent rear suspension. The Sport trim lost its manual gearbox for 2020, standardizing the seven-speed DCT. The Elantra Limited test car, with its 2.0-liter engine and new CVT, provided a satisfactory driving experience. The CVT, dubbed “Intelligent Variable Transmission,” simulated gear shifts effectively. However, real-world fuel efficiency fell short, averaging 29.3 mpg compared to the expected 34 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S500 4Matic used a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 4Matic had a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generating 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both versions used a nine-speed automatic transmission and featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for short bursts. The S500 and S580 achieved 0-60 mph times of 4.8 and 4.4 seconds, respectively, with top speeds electronically limited to 130 mph.

The S-Class came with standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control suspension system. It was the first S-Class with rear-wheel steering, reducing the turning circle by seven feet. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ driving modes. However, there was noticeable wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered roomy accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. The Limited test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. All Elantras included a front passenger's seat-height adjuster and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and automatic defogging. Heated front seats were standard on all but the SE and SEL trims, though rear air conditioning vents were unavailable. The trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans.

The 2021 S-Class had more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor, with segment-leading shoulder room. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though still less than other luxury sedans. Optional power-adjustable rear seats could reduce cargo space. The front seats, with 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, were incredibly comfortable. The center console featured a large storage bin, a wireless phone charger, and cupholders. Rear-seat passengers had a large console/armrest with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2020 Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base SE trim had a 5-inch screen, while the SEL trim featured a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Value Edition included a complimentary Blue Link subscription for three years. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system. The Ultimate Package increased the touchscreen size to 8 inches and added navigation and Blue Link Guidance service. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and volume and tuning knobs.

The 2021 S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six USB ports. A 30-speaker Burmester audio system and a rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet were available. The updated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system had 50% more computing power. Functions like climate control and seat massagers moved to the touchscreen, but hard buttons remained for important functions. The augmented-reality head-up display projected navigation directions, though the digital instrument cluster’s touchpads were small and confusing.

The 2020 Elantra came standard with Hyundai Smart Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Sport trims had full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with full LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though there was a concern about rear-door intrusion in side-impact tests.

The 2021 S-Class had numerous safety features, including an industry-first rear-passenger airbag. Standard driver-assist features included adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, traffic-sign recognition, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. Mercedes claimed improvements in traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. The S-Class’ adaptive cruise control and lane-centering performed better than most competitors, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.