2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior design, but with improved aerodynamics, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. It was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased height and width. The car's size was imposing, complemented by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels were available, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The interior was minimalist, centered around a prominent infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Mercedes enhanced the ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and 64 color options, creating a vibrant atmosphere. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim were used, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima featured bold styling with a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille, giving it a distinctive look. The 40th Anniversary Edition had a two-tone exterior, 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, and red semi-aniline leather upholstery. The interior was dressed up with dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces, providing a stylish and functional design. The Maxima's design set the tone for other Nissan models, with elements like the "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille being adopted by smaller sedans.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 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 had standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control suspension system. Rear-wheel steering improved maneuverability, reducing the turning circle by seven feet. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ driving modes.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Maxima felt quick and the V6 engine sounded great, with the CVT responding well to power demands. However, the steering lacked feel and precision, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these issues, the Maxima was agile and fun to drive, though not as sporty as some competitors. The cabin was quiet, and the ride was comfortable, even with the stiff suspension and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 S-Class offered more front and rear headroom, as well as more rear legroom, than its predecessor. It had the most front headroom among competitors but the least front legroom. Shoulder room was segment-leading, contributing to a spacious feel. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though it was still less than other luxury sedans. The front seats were highly adjustable with 19 motors, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The center console featured a large storage bin and a wireless phone charger. Rear-seat passengers had a large console with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2021 Maxima provided generous front headroom and legroom, but rear headroom and legroom were limited. The seats were positioned far inboard, creating a cramped feeling despite the ample front space. The center console was close to the driver, making some controls difficult to reach. The Maxima's cabin was designed around the driver, with excellent visibility and comfortable "Zero Gravity" front seats. Cargo space was 14.3 cubic feet, the least among its competitors, but the Maxima's conventional trunk was less versatile than the hatchbacks of some rivals.

The 2021 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. An optional 30-speaker Burmester audio system and a rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens were available. The updated MBUX infotainment system had increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The system was easy to use, with hard buttons for important functions and a voice-control system that worked from all seats. The augmented-reality head-up display projected navigation directions, though it could be distracting. The digital instrument cluster had beautiful graphics, but the steering-wheel touchpads were small and difficult to use. The ambient lighting reacted to certain functions, but it seemed more like a gimmick.

The 2021 Maxima's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. USB-A and USB-C ports were provided, along with an 11-speaker Bose audio system. However, the touchscreen's graphics looked dated, and small icons made it difficult to navigate menus while driving. The notification sounds were also jarring. Nissan included plenty of analog controls, with shortcut buttons for most touchscreen menus and knobs for climate control and audio volume/tuning.

The 2021 S-Class had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included numerous safety features, such as a rear-passenger airbag, 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 adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2021 Maxima received an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Maxima did not have the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.