2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a similar exterior styling to its predecessor, but with a drag coefficient of 0.22, it generated less drag 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 made a significant impression, complemented by the classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille. Standard 19-inch wheels were offered, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach that included rectangular air vents and eliminated the rotary controller. The ambient lighting system featured 250 LED elements and 64 color options, enhancing the luxurious feel. Interior materials included Nappa leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of the hot hatch legacy, featured subtle enhancements over the regular Golf. Red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip connecting the headlights, and painted brake calipers were distinctive. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, gloss black side mirrors, and a small rear spoiler added to its sporty look. The GTI was lowered by 0.6 inches, with side skirts and stainless-steel exhaust tips completing the exterior. Inside, the GTI had red ambient lighting, a black headliner, and a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching. The instrument cluster was unique to the GTI, and the foot pedals had an aluminum-look surface. Heated front sport seats were standard, with Clark plaid cloth in S trim and leather in SE and Autobahn trims. The GTI maintained a quality feel with high-quality materials and well-installed surfaces.

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 producing 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both versions used a nine-speed automatic transmission and featured 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 reduced the turning circle by seven feet. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was standard. The GTI’s performance was highlighted by its great handling, with four-wheel independent suspension and DCC adaptive damping in the Autobahn model. Variable-ratio steering provided crisp turn-in and great feel, while Golf R front brakes offered strong stopping power. The GTI’s ride could be rough on ordinary roads, but its turbocharged engine delivered a lusty exhaust note and free-revving performance. Fuel economy was 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the manual transmission, and 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with the dual-clutch transmission.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more front and rear headroom, as well as more rear legroom, than its predecessor. It had segment-leading shoulder room, contributing to a spacious feel. 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 tiny pillows on the head restraints. 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI’s hatchback form provided 17.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, expanding to 24.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The GTI’s compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, with a tight turning circle of 35.8 feet. The cabin featured clever storage options, including large front door pockets and grippy center console cupholders. The mechanical handbrake was a bit of a throwback, but the overall interior design was practical and user-friendly.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with 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 increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The system included an augmented-reality head-up display, though some features like the steering-wheel touchpads were less user-friendly. The S-Class allowed drivers to set up personal profiles with biometric or facial recognition, and rear-seat occupants could send navigation directions to the main screen.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a standard analog gauge cluster, with a configurable driver information screen. The VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with S models using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink were standard, along with Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio. Volkswagen Car-Net offered Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot portals, with an updated mobile app. Standard smart technology included LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, keyless access with pushbutton start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated front washer nozzles, and heated exterior mirrors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had not been rated 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. Mercedes claimed improvements in these features, with better traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top “Good” scores from the IIHS, except for an “Acceptable” score in the small overlap front; passenger side category, and a "Poor" rating for the base Halogen headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, dual front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, three-point seatbelts with tensioner height adjust, tire-pressure monitoring system, rearview camera, automatic post-collision braking system, and intelligent crash-response system. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control.