2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation since 2011, continued to attract buyers with its variety of models, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite the numerous variants, the Charger maintained a consistent exterior design, with options for widebody styling and various wheel, brake, and color choices. The interior, though updated over the years, still lacked some comfort and convenience features, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces. Cloth seats were standard, with Nappa leather available on higher trims, and the fit and finish had improved over time.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while not drastically different in exterior styling from its predecessor, boasted a drag coefficient of 0.22 and slightly larger dimensions. The S-Class featured a classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille, with standard 19-inch wheels and optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach and extensive ambient lighting. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim were standard, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine in the SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The R/T model featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models had a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat came with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 generating 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, and the SRT Hellcat Redeye topped the lineup with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V8, delivering 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on some models. The Charger provided a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for SRT models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two main powertrains: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine in the S500 4Matic, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the S580 4Matic, delivering 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for short bursts. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds, with top speeds electronically limited to 130 mph. The S-Class came with standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control suspension, as well as rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The S-Class provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with precise steering and well-executed driver-assist features.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced speed and power with family-friendly accommodations. The interior featured dated technology but functional instrument clusters varying by model. The steering wheel had easy-to-reach buttons, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk space, which was average for its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor, with segment-leading shoulder room. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though still less than some competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the rear seats could be power-adjusted with the optional Executive Line package. The interior featured ample storage space, including a large center console and a shelf behind the touchscreen.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came standard with basic features like push-button start, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a six-speaker audio system, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Available upgrades included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly but had some deeply buried functions.

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 updated MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. The S-Class also had an augmented-reality head-up display and a 30-speaker Burmester audio system. The digital instrument cluster had beautiful graphics, though the steering-wheel touchpads were small and hard to use.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, though not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, came with numerous safety features, including an industry-first rear-passenger airbag. Standard driver-assist features included adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. Mercedes claimed improvements in traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist, with capacitive sensors in the steering wheel for better driver monitoring.