2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a departure from BMW's traditional design, being the first model in the U.S. to feature standard front-wheel drive. Despite its name, it was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its five-door sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. It was an entry-level BMW, appealing to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was available in 228i and M235i models, with xDrive all-wheel-drive optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The 2021 model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to specific packages, and new safety features.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe's design faced challenges due to its front-drive platform, but BMW employed visual tricks to improve its proportions. Large LED headlights, grilles, and air intakes helped reduce the perception of excessive front overhang, while the cabin was pulled back to enhance the dashboard-to-axle ratio. The tapering roofline extended the car's appearance, culminating in a busy rear end. Inside, the car adhered to BMW's modern design with geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and the optional leather was appealing. Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe felt premium when equipped with features like those in the test car.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior styling, but its aerodynamic efficiency was notable, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. The new S-Class was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased dimensions. The car's size was impressive, 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 the wheel wells nicely.

Inside, the S-Class was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach. Mercedes decluttered the interior, eliminating the rotary controller and opting for rectangular air vents. The ambient lighting was a standout feature, with 250 LED elements and 64 color options. Interior materials were luxurious, including Nappa leather upholstery and open-pore wood trim. The two-panel glass roof provided ample light, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging. Overall, the S-Class interior was a blend of luxury and technology, with some features like the ambient lighting feeling more like a gimmick.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about the credibility of a front-drive platform under a brand known for its "ultimate driving machine" reputation. The 228i Gran Coupe featured a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, similar to the revered Volkswagen GTI. The BMW offered xDrive all-wheel-drive, enhancing its performance on various road surfaces. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, powered by a turbocharged inline-four paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. The car featured performance-enhancing technology, including brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control. The M Sport Package added M Sport steering, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm but provided a glued-to-the-road feel, with the car averaging 27.9 mpg during testing.

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 the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 496 horsepower. Both models featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system providing additional power and efficiency. The S500 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class came with standard air suspension and an available E-Active Body Control system. Rear-wheel steering was a new addition, reducing the turning circle. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and effective driving modes. Despite some wind noise at highway speeds, the S-Class maintained composure on twisty roads.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber people. The sport-bolstered front seats were snug but comfortable, with adequate storage. Entry and exit were challenging due to the car's low-slung design. The rear doors and back seat were less convincing, with limited space and comfort. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the car lacked the full sportback treatment seen in other models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more front and rear headroom, as well as more rear legroom than its predecessor. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though it remained less than other luxury sedans. The front seats were highly adjustable, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The removal of analog controls freed up storage space, with a large center console and wireless phone charger. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control, making the S-Class suitable for chauffeur service.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured Live Cockpit Plus with a 5.1-inch display, while the Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The car came with a premium sound system and optional Gesture Control. A full-color head-up display was also available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen. The MBUX infotainment system was updated, with increased computing power and reliance on the touchscreen. Functions like climate control and seat massagers were integrated into the screen, with hard buttons for essential functions. The S-Class featured an augmented-reality head-up display and a 30-speaker Burmester audio system. The digital instrument cluster had impressive graphics, though the steering-wheel touchpads were small. The ambient lighting reacted to certain functions, adding a visual element to the driving experience.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature. The test car included the Active Driving Assistant, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning, and a speed limit information system. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the car highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it featured a comprehensive suite of safety features. These 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, and a 360-degree camera system. The S-Class also introduced a rear-passenger airbag and a new steering wheel with capacitive sensors. The driver-assist systems performed well, with smooth and responsive adaptive cruise control and lane-centering.