2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Toyota Prius maintained its iconic aerodynamic shape, a design choice driven by its optimal drag coefficient. Over the years, Toyota subtly evolved the Prius's styling to give it a more sedan-like appearance while retaining its hatchback functionality. The Prius's futuristic design, particularly its cabin with centrally located instrumentation, continued to stand out even as other manufacturers adopted similar design cues. The Prius offered four trim levels: L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited, each adding more features and luxury as you moved up the range.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while not drastically different in appearance from its predecessor, boasted a drag coefficient of 0.22, surpassing even the Prius. The S-Class was slightly larger in all dimensions, with a classic Mercedes aesthetic highlighted by its hood ornament and grille. The interior was designed around a prominent infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach that included ambient lighting with 250 LED elements. The S-Class offered luxurious materials and features, such as Nappa leather upholstery and a two-panel glass roof, though some design choices like the piano-black trim were less practical.

The 2020 Toyota Prius featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and an all-wheel-drive variant, the latter using a second electric motor for the rear wheels. The Prius provided smooth acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and conventional power. It included three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving preferences. The unique shifter design and engine braking mode added to its distinctive driving experience, while its low center of gravity contributed to surprisingly sharp handling for a hybrid.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the S500 4Matic, producing 429 horsepower, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the S580 4Matic, delivering 496 horsepower. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system that provided additional power and efficiency. The S-Class achieved impressive acceleration, with 0-60 mph times of 4.8 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580. It came with standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control, as well as rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The S-Class excelled in comfort and handling, maintaining composure on twisty roads and offering precise steering.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made efficient use of its compact platform, offering spacious and comfortable front seats with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats were also roomy, though taller passengers needed to be cautious when entering. The Prius provided 50.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and between 24.6 and 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up, depending on the model. Its hatchback design facilitated easy loading of large items, making it a versatile choice among hybrids.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class improved on its predecessor with more headroom and rear legroom, though it offered less front legroom compared to competitors. It featured segment-leading shoulder room, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The trunk space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though it remained smaller than some rivals. The S-Class's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with features like heating, ventilation, and massage. The interior design freed up storage space, and the optional Executive Line package transformed the rear seats into a luxurious experience, ideal for chauffeur-driven passengers.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto. The Prius's top-center instrument panel provided essential hybrid drivetrain information, and an available head-up display enhanced driver convenience.

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 MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and relied heavily on the touchscreen. The S-Class included an augmented-reality head-up display and a 30-speaker Burmester audio system. While some tech features were well-executed, others, like the steering-wheel touchpads, were less intuitive. The S-Class also introduced personal profiles with biometric access and rear-seat infotainment options.

The 2020 Toyota Prius was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Prius earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to certain test scores.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and a 360-degree camera system. It introduced a rear-passenger airbag and improved existing features like traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the S-Class's driver-assist systems performed exceptionally well, handling highway curves and traffic changes smoothly.