2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive look that was unmistakably a Sonata. The N Line version further enhanced this design with functional and stylistic changes, such as a restyled front fascia with larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The rear featured a subtle gloss black lip spoiler and a reworked bumper with a four-outlet exhaust system, giving the car a stealthy yet appealing appearance. Inside, the Sonata N Line boasted sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents, all complemented by a standard panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained a familiar exterior styling but with improved aerodynamics, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. The new S-Class was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased height and width. The car's size was its most striking feature, enhanced by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, added to its imposing presence. The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach that included rectangular air vents and extensive ambient lighting. High-quality materials like Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays were standard, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. This engine was paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, featuring paddle shifters, rev-matching, and a launch control system. Drivers could choose from Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, with an Active Sound Design system enhancing the engine note. The Sonata N Line also featured stiffer engine and transmission mounts, faster electric steering, larger brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. On the road, it delivered a responsive and engaging driving experience, with minimal understeer and excellent handling. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the S500 4Matic, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the S580 4Matic, delivering 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet 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, both with electronically limited top speeds of 130 mph. The S-Class came with standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control, as well as rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The S580 provided a fast and comfortable ride, with precise steering and well-controlled body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, enhancing comfort for both front occupants. Rear-seat passengers had adequate legroom and thigh support, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The panoramic sunroof added a sense of spaciousness. Interior storage was practical, though the center console design was somewhat inelegant. The trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle meant getting hands dirty when closing the trunk.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provided 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 power-adjustable front seats had 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with head restraints featuring tiny pillows. The center console offered ample storage, with 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, making the S-Class suitable for chauffeur service.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a Bose premium sound system, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link connected services. However, it lacked a WiFi hotspot and a tuning knob, which could be frustrating. The infotainment system offered Sounds of Nature for stress relief and Hyundai Digital Key for Android devices.

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. A 30-speaker Burmester audio system and a rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet were available. The updated MBUX infotainment system had increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. Functions like climate control and seat massagers were integrated into the screen, but hard buttons remained for important functions. The augmented-reality head-up display was helpful, though sometimes distracting. The digital instrument cluster had beautiful graphics, but the steering-wheel touchpads were small and hard to use. The ambient lighting reacted to certain functions, but seemed more gimmicky than useful. The S-Class also allowed drivers to set up personal profiles with biometric or facial recognition.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata rated high for occupant protection, though specific ratings for the N Line were not available from NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a rear-passenger airbag and standard driver-assist features like 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. Mercedes claimed improvements in traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist, and the new steering wheel with capacitive sensors eliminated the need for steering inputs to detect driver presence. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed better than most competitors, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.