2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained much of its predecessor's exterior styling, but with a drag coefficient of 0.22, it was more aerodynamically efficient than a Toyota Prius. The new model was 1.3 inches longer, with a 2-inch longer wheelbase, and slightly taller and wider. The car's size was imposing, complemented by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 20-inch or 21-inch options, with the 20-inch wheels filling out the wheel wells nicely.

Inside, the S-Class was designed around its infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, which were the most noticeable features. Mercedes decluttered the interior, removing the rotary controller and replacing round air vents with rectangular ones. The ambient lighting system was enhanced with 250 LED elements and 64 color options. Interior materials included Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, available in six trim levels, carried over much of the body and mechanics of the Subaru Outback wagon. From the B-pillar forward, the Legacy and Outback were essentially the same, with matching fascia, headlight design, and dashboard setup. For 2021, Subaru added standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist.

The Legacy's exterior wasn't particularly stylish but stayed true to Subaru's branding. It featured high-gloss stainless steel moldings and a sleeker design than the previous generation. Standard 17-inch steel wheels could be upgraded to 17-inch alloy or 18-inch options. Power-folding mirrors, a power moonroof, and an All-Weather Package were available. The Legacy also had roof mounting points for Subaru accessory crossbars, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S500 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The S580 4Matic had a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and included 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 with standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control suspension system. It was the first S-Class with rear-wheel steering, reducing the turning circle by seven feet. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes. However, there was noticeable wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the Limited XT and Touring XT trims, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Legacy's standard all-wheel drive provided stability over rough terrain.

The Legacy's steering was well-balanced at low speeds but required lane-centering technology for highway driving. The 2.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the turbo engine earned 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 S-Class offered 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 it was still less than other luxury sedans. The power-adjustable front seats had 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with head restraints featuring tiny pillows. 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 and four-zone climate control.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The Base model had manually adjustable front seats, while other trims offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and either a four-way or eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The five-seater provided ample back seat room for adults, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel available. The Legacy had 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, with a wide opening for easy access.

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. 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 50% more computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The S-Class also had an augmented-reality head-up display and personal profiles accessible with biometric or facial recognition.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy's base model had dual 7-inch infotainment and climate control displays, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-volt power outlet, two USB ports, and automatic climate control. Higher trims added more USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The 11.6-inch screen had an unsophisticated appearance but was easy to navigate.

The 2021 S-Class had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It 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. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a head-up display. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. The seat-belt monitoring system was sensitive and loud, and the EyeSight system could be annoying with its beeps and flashing, but it was easy to adjust the settings.