2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior styling, but with a drag coefficient of 0.22, it was more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius. The new model was 1.3 inches longer, with a 2-inch longer wheelbase, and slightly taller and wider than its predecessor. The car’s size was imposing, complemented by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels were offered, with 20-inch and 21-inch options available. The 20-inch wheels on the test car, part of the AMG Line package, filled the wheel wells nicely.

Inside, the S-Class was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, which were the most noticeable features. Mercedes decluttered the interior, eliminating 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, integrated with infotainment and driver-assist functions. Interior materials included Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays, but the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflected sunlight.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a more adolescent aesthetic, with a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid that gave it a speedy appearance. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to its sporty look. Inside, the WRX resembled other Subaru compact cars from the past decade, with a function-first cockpit that sacrificed fit and finish. Hard plastics were prevalent, contributing to its less refined reputation compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.

The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. The base model featured 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated seats, and a 7-inch infotainment screen. The range-topping Limited trim included leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and adaptive LED headlights. The Limited also offered an options package with navigation, a premium stereo, and additional driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options. The 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, delivering 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and included EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system that added 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 came with standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control suspension system. It was also 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+ driving modes. However, there was noticeable wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The WRX outperformed rivals like the Civic Si (205 hp) and VW GTI (228 hp), but required precise rev management to maximize performance. The CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively.

The manual transmission was less satisfying, with a vague clutch feel. The WRX STI offered a more precise manual experience, but the 2019 WRX STI S209 was the only model to fully address this issue. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision. The steering was well-weighted, making winding roads enjoyable, but the ride was stiffer compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2021 S-Class offered more front and rear headroom, as well as more rear legroom, than its predecessor. It had more front headroom than competitors but the least front legroom. Shoulder room was segment-leading, contributing to a spacious feel. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, but was still less than other luxury sedans. Optional power-adjustable rear seats could reduce cargo space.

The front seats were highly adjustable with 19 motors, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The center console featured a large storage bin, a wireless phone charger, and cupholders. Rear-seat passengers had 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 WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and far behind the VW GTI. The WRX’s age showed in its interior packaging, with limited in-door bottle-holders and center console cupholders that could obstruct shifting.

The WRX provided a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. The center console offered decent storage space, and the rear seats could accommodate four adults comfortably. The sedan layout was more practical than a coupe or sports car.

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. It also had six USB ports and an available 30-speaker Burmester audio system. Rear-seat infotainment included a pair of 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet. The updated MBUX infotainment system had 50% more 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 voice-control system worked well, and the augmented-reality head-up display was helpful for navigation. However, the digital instrument cluster’s touchpads were small and difficult to use, and the ambient lighting’s reactive features seemed gimmicky.

The 2021 WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim offered navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. Despite updates, the WRX’s infotainment system was not cutting-edge.

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

The 2021 WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.