2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out among compact sedans with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles created a distinctive and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to give the Elantra a unique character, breaking conventional automotive design rules. The Elantra's appearance improved with higher trim levels, ranging from SE to Limited, with prices from $19,650 to $25,450. The interior featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trims offering a more upscale look and feel, especially in the Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained a classic and understated exterior design, with a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius. The new S-Class was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased height and width. The car's size and classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille added a hint of ostentation. The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach. The ambient lighting system, with 250 LED elements and 64 color options, added a touch of luxury. Interior materials included Nappa leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays, contributing to a high-end feel.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, producing 139 horsepower and achieving up to 54 mpg in combined driving. The sporty Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while the high-performance Elantra N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The Elantra N's electronically controlled suspension, larger brakes, and performance tires made it a driving enthusiast's dream.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two powertrain options. The S500 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the S580 4Matic had a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models included EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system that added 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for short bursts. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. 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 S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ driving modes.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a spacious interior. The driver’s seat was height-adjustable, and the tilt/telescopic steering wheel made it easy to get comfortable. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front cushions available in the Limited Hybrid. The rear seat provided ample legroom and foot space, though the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the Elantra lacked air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for rear-seat passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provided more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor. The front seats, with 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, were incredibly comfortable. The removal of many analog controls freed up storage space, with a large center console bin and a covered area for a wireless phone charger and cupholders. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console/armrest with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats, four-zone climate control, and a reclining right-rear seat, enhancing the S-Class's luxury.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services in SE, SEL, and N Line trims. The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, offering a 64-color ambient lighting system. The Limited Hybrid's voice recognition system performed inconsistently, but a new Bose premium sound system impressed with its audio quality. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for remote access and control of the vehicle via an Android smartphone.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six USB ports. The available 30-speaker Burmester audio system and rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet added to the luxury experience. The updated MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. The augmented-reality head-up display projected navigation directions, while the digital instrument cluster's graphics were stunning. However, the steering-wheel touchpads were small and difficult to use, and the ambient lighting's reactive features seemed gimmicky.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Standard safety features included SmartSense, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention warning system. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Upgrades included cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but included a plethora of safety features. Standard driver-assist features included adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, traffic-sign recognition, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The S-Class also featured an industry-first rear-passenger airbag and a new steering wheel with capacitive sensors. Mercedes' driver-assist systems performed better than most, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.