2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, lacking the flamboyance of the 3 Series or the imposing presence of the 7 Series. It underwent a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker appearance with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet not overly exaggerated, twin-kidney grille. The sedan featured trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers for the M Sport Package. Despite being 1.2 inches longer, it maintained a drag coefficient of 0.27, ensuring efficient aerodynamics. Inside, the 5 Series retained its familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements like the touchscreen positioning and shifter style reinforcing its brand identity. While lower trims used SensaTec upholstery, options for Dakota and Nappa leather were available, enhancing the luxury feel. However, the sport steering wheel seemed out of place in the otherwise refined interior.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while not drastically different in exterior styling from its predecessor, boasted a drag coefficient of 0.22, surpassing even a Toyota Prius in aerodynamic efficiency. It was slightly larger in all dimensions, with a classic Mercedes grille and hood ornament adding a touch of ostentation. The interior was centered around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist design approach. Ambient lighting was a standout feature, with 250 LED elements offering 64 color options. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim were standard, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging. The S-Class offered a two-panel glass roof, enhancing the sense of space, but some interior elements, like the automated side bolsters, were less appreciated.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 530i's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on tire choice. The 540i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque. It reached 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 4.6 seconds with xDrive all-wheel drive. The M550i xDrive and M5 offered even more power, with the latter achieving 617 hp and a 3.1-second zero-to-60 mph time. The 530e plug-in hybrid provided 288 hp and an electric-only driving capability, though EPA figures for the 2021 model were pending.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generating 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models included EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for short bursts. The S500 accelerated to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 did so in 4.4 seconds, with top speeds limited to 130 mph. The S-Class introduced rear-wheel steering and standard air suspension, with E-Active Body Control available later. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and effective Sport modes, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered spacious front seating and adequate rear-seat room, despite appearing less roomy on paper compared to rivals. It boasted 14.0 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for added versatility. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and supportive bolstering. However, forward visibility was hindered by the long hood, though a surround-view camera system aided parking maneuvers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provided more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor, with segment-leading shoulder room enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though it remained less than other luxury sedans. The front seats, with 19 motors for adjustment, offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the rear seats could be power-adjusted with the Executive Line package. The center console featured ample storage, and rear passengers enjoyed a large console with cupholders and climate controls. The S-Class was designed for comfort, with features like a reclining right-rear seat available.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. It included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment screen's graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster's layout could be confusing. A rotary knob controlled infotainment functions, offering a tactile alternative to touchscreens. Voice control and gesture controls were available, though the latter required learning specific gestures.

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, and six USB ports. The MBUX infotainment system was more powerful, with functions like climate control and seat massagers integrated into the touchscreen. The system retained hard buttons for essential functions and offered an augmented-reality head-up display. The digital instrument cluster had beautiful graphics, but the steering-wheel touchpads were small and challenging to use. The ambient lighting reacted to certain functions, though it seemed more gimmicky than practical. The S-Class allowed personal profiles with biometric access and rear-seat occupants could send navigation directions to the main screen.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It included a rear-passenger airbag and standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Mercedes claimed improvements in features like traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. The S-Class' driver-assist systems performed well, with lane-centering handling highway curves and adaptive cruise control reacting smoothly to traffic changes.