2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Honda Accord
Overview | |
MSRP$109,800 | MSRP$24,970 |
Listings178 | Listings316 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews9.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews SummaryThe S-Class not only sits at the top of the Mercedes hierarchy in price and prestige, but it has also long served as a technological showcase. In the press release for the redesigned 2021 S-Class, Mercedes repeatedly noted the innovations—from anti-lock brakes to airbags—that were introduced on the big sedan and eventually trickled down to mainstream vehicles. With the previous generation dating back to the 2014 model year (with a significant update for 2018), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was in need of an update to maintain that status, and to keep pace with other full-size luxury sedans like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS. To do that, the new S-Class gets a more sophisticated infotainment system, new powertrains, and more aerodynamic bodywork, among other features. The 2021 S-Class launches in two configurations, both with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) and EQ Boost mild-hybrid systems. The S500 4Matic has a six-cylinder engine, while the S580 4Matic has a V8. We spent a few days with the Mercedes-Benz S580 for this review. A Mercedes-Maybach S680 4Matic version will follow in the first half of 2022, and you can expect a new AMG performance version sometime in the future as well. | |
2021 Honda Accord Reviews SummaryFor the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.0L 429 hp I6 | Engine1.5L 192 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower429 hp @ 6100 rpm | Horsepower192 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway38 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.0L 429 hp I6 | Engine Name1.5L 192 hp I4 |
Torque384 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque192 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower429 hp @ 6100 rpm | Horsepower192 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway38 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsOptional | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemOptional | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofOptional | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space12.9 cu ft | Cargo Space16.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight4740 lbs | Curb Weight3150 lbs |
Height59.2 in | Height57.1 in |
Length208.2 in | Length196.1 in |
Width83.0 in | Width73.3 in |
Wheelbase126.6 in | Wheelbase111.4 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1149 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $109,800 | $24,970 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 9.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The S-Class not only sits at the top of the Mercedes hierarchy in price and prestige, but it has also long served as a technological showcase. In the press release for the redesigned 2021 S-Class, Mercedes repeatedly noted the innovations—from anti-lock brakes to airbags—that were introduced on the big sedan and eventually trickled down to mainstream vehicles. With the previous generation dating back to the 2014 model year (with a significant update for 2018), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was in need of an update to maintain that status, and to keep pace with other full-size luxury sedans like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS. To do that, the new S-Class gets a more sophisticated infotainment system, new powertrains, and more aerodynamic bodywork, among other features. The 2021 S-Class launches in two configurations, both with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) and EQ Boost mild-hybrid systems. The S500 4Matic has a six-cylinder engine, while the S580 4Matic has a V8. We spent a few days with the Mercedes-Benz S580 for this review. A Mercedes-Maybach S680 4Matic version will follow in the first half of 2022, and you can expect a new AMG performance version sometime in the future as well. | For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.0L 429 hp I6 | 1.5L 192 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 429 hp @ 6100 rpm | 192 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 38 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.0L 429 hp I6 | 1.5L 192 hp I4 |
Torque | 384 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 192 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 429 hp @ 6100 rpm | 192 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 38 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Optional | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Optional | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Optional | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 12.9 cu ft | 16.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4740 lbs | 3150 lbs |
Height | 59.2 in | 57.1 in |
Length | 208.2 in | 196.1 in |
Width | 83.0 in | 73.3 in |
Wheelbase | 126.6 in | 111.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 1149 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Though the S-Class and the Accord are not traditionally considered competitors, it’s interesting to see how these two renowned sedans compare.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class elevated its prestigious lineage with advanced technological enhancements and luxurious features, setting a high standard in the full-size luxury sedan segment. The 2021 model introduced sophisticated infotainment systems, new powertrains, and aerodynamic bodywork to ensure its flagship status amidst competitors like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS. Offering configurations including the S500 4Matic with a six-cylinder engine and the S580 4Matic with a V8, alongside the promise of a Mercedes-Maybach S680 4Matic and an AMG performance version, the S-Class aimed to continue its legacy of innovation and luxury.
On the other hand, the 2021 Honda Accord moved towards refinement and competitiveness within the mid-size sedan market. With enhanced safety features, a new trim level, and a keen eye on the competition, the Accord was positioned to offer value and quality. Safety was prioritized, earning the vehicle high praise and making it a strong contender against its rivals to ensure that the Accord remained a top choice for consumers seeking reliability and sophistication.
CarGurus highlights
The Honda Accord and Mercedes-Benz S-Class may not often be cross-shopped, but both of these flagship sedans are household names for a reason. Reviewing the two in the contexts of their own classes, CarGurus experts gave the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class an overall rating of 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scored 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Accord emerges as the more highly recommended vehicle for its blend of style, practicality, performance, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Choose the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class if:
- You prioritize cutting-edge technology and luxury features in your vehicle.
- You desire powerful engine performance combined with advanced driving aids.
- Prestige and brand status are important factors in your vehicle choice.
Choose the 2021 Honda Accord if:
- You seek a well-rounded sedan that offers great value for money.
- Safety and reliability are top priorities in your vehicle selection.
- You prefer a vehicle with efficient performance and practical daily usability.
CarGurus highlights
The Honda Accord and Mercedes-Benz S-Class may not often be cross-shopped, but both of these flagship sedans are household names for a reason. Reviewing the two in the contexts of their own classes, CarGurus experts gave the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class an overall rating of 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scored 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Accord emerges as the more highly recommended vehicle for its blend of style, practicality, performance, technology, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Choose the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class if:
Shop Now- You prioritize cutting-edge technology and luxury features in your vehicle.
- You desire powerful engine performance combined with advanced driving aids.
- Prestige and brand status are important factors in your vehicle choice.
Choose the 2021 Honda Accord if:
Shop Now- You seek a well-rounded sedan that offers great value for money.
- Safety and reliability are top priorities in your vehicle selection.
- You prefer a vehicle with efficient performance and practical daily usability.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
