2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured a design that closely mirrored other models in Nissan’s lineup, with its signature V-Motion grille and jewel-like LED headlights. The floating-roof design, accented by a heavy beltline, led to the rear where quad-tip exhaust finishers rested. The Maxima SR models also sported a rear spoiler, adding a touch of sportiness. The Maxima was available in S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims, with our test model being the Platinum. The interior of the Maxima was spacious and well-finished, especially in the Platinum trim, which included semi-aniline leather and Satin Bronze interior finishers. The thick center console created a segmented front row, but the cabin remained roomy and comfortable.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained a classic exterior design with a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius. The S-Class was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased height and width. The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach that included rectangular air vents and a decluttered dashboard. The ambient lighting system featured 250 LED elements and 64 color options, enhancing the luxurious feel. The materials used were top-notch, including Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim, although the piano-black trim was prone to smudging.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. While marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more of a comfortable cruiser, with Sport mode and paddle shifters available only in the SR trim. The Maxima handled road imperfections well and featured active noise cancellation in SL and higher trims. It was front-wheel drive with an 18-gallon fuel tank, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The Maxima did not offer all-wheel drive or a hybrid option.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for short bursts. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class included standard air suspension and rear-wheel steering, enhancing its handling and comfort. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating, a large trunk, and modern features. The thick center console limited the feeling of spaciousness up front, but the cabin remained comfortable. The Maxima had 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, less than competitors like the Sonata, Cadenza, Avalon, and Accord. The Maxima provided more headroom than its rivals, with up to 39.4 inches. Despite its smaller cargo and passenger space, the Maxima handled daily tasks well, proving practical for grocery runs and sports practices.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provided more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor. It had 12.9 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly more than the previous model but less than other luxury sedans. The front seats were highly adjustable with 19 motors, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The center console featured a large storage bin and a wireless phone charger. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed power-adjustable seats and climate controls with the optional Executive Line package, making the S-Class suitable for chauffeur service.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, while NissanConnect Services were available only on the Platinum trim. The Maxima offered an optional Bose Premium Audio system and features like the Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, and keyless entry. USB-A and USB-C ports were available in the front and rear, making charging devices convenient.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz 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. The updated MBUX infotainment system had increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The S-Class included a 30-speaker Burmester audio system and an augmented-reality head-up display. The digital instrument cluster had beautiful graphics, but the steering-wheel touchpads were small and difficult to use. The ambient lighting system reacted to certain functions, adding a touch of flair.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima included Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard across all trims, featuring blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests, receiving top ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. It included a rear-passenger airbag and standard driver-assist features like 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. The S-Class' driver-assist systems performed better than most competitors, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.