2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior design, but with significant aerodynamic improvements, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. It was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a 1.3-inch increase in length and a 2-inch longer wheelbase. The car's size and classic Mercedes styling elements, such as the hood ornament and grille, made a strong impression. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 20-inch or 21-inch options, with the 20-inch wheels providing a balanced look.

Inside, the S-Class focused on a minimalist design centered around a prominent infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Mercedes eliminated the rotary controller and opted for rectangular air vents, enhancing the cabin's sleekness. The interior featured extensive ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and 64 color options. High-quality materials like Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays were standard, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, entering its eighth generation, showcased a bold and athletic exterior with crisp lines and a V-Motion grille. The car's expressive headlights and available LED options gave it a serious look. It offered eight exterior paint colors, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic. The SR trim featured three two-tone paint schemes, enhancing its sporty appearance. The Sentra's design included a bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches, housing 16-inch to 18-inch wheels depending on the trim.

Inside, the Sentra's layered dash and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen (standard on SR) were well-positioned. The textured plastic on the center console and doors was a significant improvement over past imitation wood veneers. The flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel added a sporty touch and improved comfort. The second row was roomy for the class, though better suited for two passengers. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 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 both having a top speed of 130 mph.

The S-Class came standard with air suspension and offered an advanced E-Active Body Control suspension system. It was the first S-Class to feature rear-wheel steering, reducing the turning circle by seven feet. The S580 provided a fast and comfortable ride, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes. However, there was noticeable wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a front-wheel-drive system and an Xtronic CVT. Weighing between 3,036 and 3,084 pounds, the Sentra offered adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Fuel economy was 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for SR models.

The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its well-sorted CVT, four-wheel independent suspension, and dual-pinion electric steering. SV and SR models featured front and rear disc brakes, while the S model had front disc/rear drum brakes. The Sentra's 149 hp provided a balanced mix of fuel economy and performance, making it suitable for its intended purpose.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor. It had the most front headroom in its segment 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. Optional power-adjustable rear seats could reduce cargo space.

The S-Class featured power-adjustable front seats with 19 motors, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The center console had a large storage bin, 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.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with a user-friendly infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls. It featured open cupholders, a large glove compartment, and roomy covered storage beneath the center armrest. Two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt port were conveniently located at the bottom of the center stack.

Nissan's Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort on long rides. The $2,270 Premium Package on SV and SR models added a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar, heated front seats, leather or Prima-Tex seating, and a power-sliding glass moonroof. The Sentra's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

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. An optional 30-speaker Burmester audio system and a rear-seat infotainment setup with two 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet were available.

The updated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system offered increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. Functions like climate control and seat massagers were integrated into the screen, with hard buttons for essential functions. The S-Class also featured an augmented-reality head-up display (HUD) and personal profiles accessible via biometric or facial recognition.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's standard audio system included AM/FM/USB with four speakers in the S, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM in SV and SR models. An optional premium Bose system with eight speakers was available in the SR. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth audio, and hands-free text-messaging assistant were standard across all trims.

The S model featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR models had an 8-inch touchscreen. NissanConnect services, available on SR models, included a WiFi hotspot, remote access to vehicle functions, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Navigation was available via subscription to NissanConnect services.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included numerous safety features, such as an industry-first 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 S-Class' driver-assist features performed exceptionally well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including advanced airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, knee airbags, curtain side-impact airbags, three-point seatbelts, LATCH system, crumple zones, side-door guard beams, and an energy-absorbing steering column. The tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert was a standout feature.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view camera, and more. SV and SR models featured intelligent cruise control, with the SR offering an optional 360-degree camera system. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.