2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its classic "three-box design," a style that had remained largely unchanged since its major facelift in 2014. This design gave the 300 a timeless, straightforward profile that was easily recognizable. Despite its traditional appearance, the Chrysler 300 exuded a sense of pride and elegance, making it a vehicle that owners could confidently present at any venue. The 2021 model featured bi-xenon halogen projector lamps with LED driving lamps on lower trims, while higher trims offered adaptive HID lamps. The grille options varied between black and chrome, maintaining a robust and assertive look. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S, providing a range of aesthetic choices.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was a continuation of the previous year's complete makeover, maintaining its sleek and sophisticated design. The S-Class's extended, low profile was a departure from the boxy designs of its predecessors, emphasizing elegance with a long distance between the front axle and dashboard. The car's exterior was marked by a distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament, subtly showcasing its heritage. Inside, the S-Class featured a luxurious dashboard with 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 crafted to provide an opulent experience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 was not designed for high-speed races, but it offered respectable performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and 300 Touring L, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft in the 300S. The 300S also had an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, making it the only V8 available in its class. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive as an option, except on the 300S. The driving experience was comfortable and quiet, with the V8 providing a thrilling launch despite not matching the higher-displacement powertrains of its Dodge Charger sibling.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, on the other hand, was equipped for both business and pleasure. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, providing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor. The S580 model boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also enhanced by EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick, with 0-60 mph times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with impressive fuel efficiency for its class.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 provided ample interior space, with 41.8 inches of front legroom and 40.1 inches in the rear, surpassing many entry-luxury competitors. It offered 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, classifying it as a midsize sedan but providing more space than rivals like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. The trunk offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for four large suitcases.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and spacious cabin, with features like powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk. The cabin included six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the rear. Front seats offered heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings, while the Executive Line package added rear-seat enhancements like active multicontour seats and a high-end entertainment system. The S-Class's doors, although wide-opening, featured soft-close functionality for convenience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300's technology was centered around the Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, praised for its intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional upgrades like a 506-watt amplifier, premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof available through the Popular Equipment Group.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable themes, with an optional 3D instrument cluster for added depth. The S-Class also offered augmented video for navigation and an augmented reality head-up display, enhancing the driving experience. The audio system was top-notch, with a standard Burmester 3D Surround system and an optional 4D system for an immersive sound experience.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small overlap tests and headlights, respectively. It earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a five-star rating for side crash tests. Safety features included active head restraints, airbags, traction and stability control, and optional advanced safety packages with features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering and brake assist, and Pre-Safe systems for collision preparation. The S-Class also offered car-to-x communication and optional rear-passenger airbags and seat belt bags for enhanced safety.