2021 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 BMW 3 Series returned to its traditional familial look, reminiscent of the classic E30 3 Series. However, the G20 3 Series appeared stuffy, with a big, oddly-shaped grille that looked out of place on the smaller sedan. The design lacked distinctive features beyond the grille and headlights, which referenced older models' "halo" lights. The M Sport trim package added some flair with M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, but the standard Sport Line trim package came with 18-inch wheels. The interior design was nice but marred by unimpressive materials, with plastic trim and fake-looking Ash wood. Leather upholstery was optional, with synthetic Sensatec material as standard. The optional M heated steering wheel looked out of place in the conservatively styled interior.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, following a complete makeover in 2021, looked fantastic. The S-Class maintained its sleek, extended, low profile, obliterating memories of boxy past models. The long distance between the front axle and the dashboard added elegance to the design. The S-Class wore a proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament, tastefully expressing its lineage. The dashboard featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the center stack, with a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The cabin was dressed in high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered three powertrains: the base 330i with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the 330e plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and the M340i with a turbo inline-six producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All powertrains were available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M340i could do zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i took 5.6 seconds. The 330e matched the 330i's zero to 60 mph time despite its extra weight. However, the transition from electric to gasoline power was clunky, and the driving experience lacked engagement. The chassis provided a comfortable highway ride and excellent handling, but the overall driving experience was underwhelming.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine in the S500, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the EQ Boost system. The S580 had a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with the same EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD. The S500 took 4.9 seconds to go from 0-60 mph, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. Despite their weight, both models handled smoothly and predictably, with powerful braking. The S500 delivered up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 was rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered better-than-average rear headroom and above-average front headroom, though still behind the Infiniti Q50. Legroom was average, and rear-seat passengers might feel cramped. The 3 Series had 17 cubic feet of cargo space in gasoline models, but the 330e's battery pack reduced it to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's long-and-narrow shape required an awkward reach to maximize space. The cockpit was well-designed, with a touchscreen positioned for easy reach and good outward visibility.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in interior space and comfort. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports, a 115-volt power supply, and standard heated and ventilated active multicontour seats with massage for the driver and front passenger. The Luxury Line added a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and rear-seat heating. The Executive Line (exclusive to the S580) upgraded the rear seats and included the MBUX high-end rear-seat entertainment system. The doors opened wide, but the soft-close feature prevented slamming. Mercedes-Benz’s warranty covered the S500 for four years/50,000 miles.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came with the standard iDrive infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Gasoline models had both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only had CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster, navigation, and a head-up display (HUD). The infotainment system was high-quality, responsive, and easy to use, with multiple control options, including gesture controls and a voice assistant.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel had customizable visual themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest. The standard augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality HUD provided clear, futuristic navigation instructions. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and available Burmester 4D Surround system offered high-fidelity audio. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering added maneuverability and efficiency.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a “Top Safety Pick” award from the IIHS, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests, but mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the 2021 model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automated lane centering, among other features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with standard and available safety features. Magic Vision Control adjusted windshield spray for optimal visibility. Driver assistance features included adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist, and Pre-Safe systems. The S-Class also offered car-to-x communication and available rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bag.