2021 BMW 5 Series vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans with its understated elegance. It underwent a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker appearance. The standard LED headlights were more streamlined, and the twin-kidney grille was enlarged, though not excessively so. Additional updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package. Despite being 1.2 inches longer, the 5 Series maintained a commendable drag coefficient of 0.27. Inside, the familiar BMW layout remained, with specific design elements like the touchscreen positioning and shifter style reinforcing the brand's identity. While lower trims featured SensaTec upholstery, options for Dakota and Nappa leather were available, enhancing the luxury feel. The aluminum trim added sophistication, though the sport steering wheel felt somewhat out of place.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic design from the previous year’s makeover, embodying sleekness and elegance. The S-Class continued its legacy as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan, with the current model representing the seventh generation. The exterior was defined by its extended, low profile, with a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, contributing to its elegance. The S-Class proudly displayed its Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament. Inside, the dashboard featured open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, ensuring a luxurious experience.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a variety of powertrain options. The base 530i sedan featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i model included a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive. The M550i xDrive boasted a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 532 hp, while the M5 offered 617 hp in Competition spec, achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 288 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in performance with its S500 model featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost system added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque during high demand. The S580 model included a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with the same EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with 4Matic AWD. The S500 achieved 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 did so in 4.4 seconds. Despite their weight, both models offered flat and predictable handling, with the S500 delivering up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered spaciousness reflective of its exterior dimensions. Front-seat space was competitive, and rear seats provided ample room. The 540i model had a 14.0 cubic feet trunk, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold for longer items. The test car included 16-way power front seats with various features, though forward visibility was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a roomy and comfortable cabin. 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 and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. Front seats included heating, ventilation, and massage functions, with additional luxury options available. The Executive Line catered to rear passengers with advanced features. The doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice control and gesture controls were available, though the latter required learning specific gestures.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class showcased advanced technology with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel featured customizable themes, with an optional 3D instrument cluster adding depth. Augmented video for navigation and an available augmented reality HUD enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system provided high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system available. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering added to the technological prowess.

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 offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with extensive safety features, including Magic Vision Control and a range of driver assistance systems. Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions, and car-to-x communication shared road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and other executive-level safety features were available.