2020 Nissan Maxima vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2020 Nissan Maxima
2020 Nissan Maxima
$34,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$109,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Maxima
$34,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$109,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$34,450

MSRP

$109,800

Average price

$22,700

Average price

$84,400

Listings

317

Listings

258
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Not much cargo space
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • High price

2020 Nissan Maxima Reviews Summary

Despite finding itself inside a rapidly shrinking segment, the Nissan Maxima shines through with its plush accommodations, potent powertrain, luxe interior, and spacious trunk. The Maxima has continued to be upgraded since its current generation debuted, making it worthy of a long look if you’re in the market for an SUV alternative. Nissan refreshed the Maxima for the 2019 model year, so changes for 2020 are minimal.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews Summary

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.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 300 hp V6

Engine

3.0L 429 hp I6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

429 hp @ 6100 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

29
2020 Nissan Maxima
2020 Nissan Maxima
$34,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$109,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Maxima
$34,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$109,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$34,450
$109,800
Average price
$22,700
$84,400
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.2
5.0
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Not much cargo space
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • High price
Summary
Despite finding itself inside a rapidly shrinking segment, the Nissan Maxima shines through with its plush accommodations, potent powertrain, luxe interior, and spacious trunk. The Maxima has continued to be upgraded since its current generation debuted, making it worthy of a long look if you’re in the market for an SUV alternative. Nissan refreshed the Maxima for the 2019 model year, so changes for 2020 are minimal.

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.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 300 hp V6
3.0L 429 hp I6
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
300 hp @ 6400 rpm
429 hp @ 6100 rpm
MPG City
20
20
MPG Highway
30
29
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.