2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a similar exterior styling to its predecessor, but with significant aerodynamic improvements, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. The new model was slightly larger in all dimensions, enhancing its road presence. The classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille added a touch of luxury, while the standard 19-inch wheels, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, provided a robust stance. The interior was dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist design that eliminated many traditional controls. Ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and 64 color options created a vibrant atmosphere, while high-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim added to the luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's exterior styling remained largely unchanged from its 2020 facelift, giving it a more understated look compared to its rivals. The Passat's aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, contributed to its fuel efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. The interior followed a clean and functional design, with analog controls and a low dashboard for better visibility. While the materials were not as luxurious as the S-Class, the fit and finish were excellent, and the layout of controls was user-friendly.

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 generating 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both engines featured 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 both models having a top speed of 130 mph. The S-Class also came with standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control suspension system, along with rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The driving experience was smooth and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in sportier driving modes.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the torque output was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. The power delivery felt uneven at times, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved the response. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness of competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. However, it provided a comfortable ride and acceptable noise levels on the highway.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more front and rear headroom, as well as rear legroom, compared to its predecessor. It also had segment-leading shoulder room, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, although it was still less than other luxury sedans. The front seats were highly adjustable with 19 motors, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The center console featured a large storage bin and a wireless phone charger, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control, making it ideal for chauffeur service.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. However, front legroom and headroom were below average for the segment, resulting in an uncomfortable driving position for some. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some competitors but less than the Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, but the layout of controls was excellent, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach. The analog gauges were easy to read and complemented the interior design.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz 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 also available. The updated MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. The augmented-reality head-up display provided helpful navigation cues, although 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 system reacted to certain functions, but it felt more like a gimmick.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. A single USB-A port handled connectivity, with two additional rear charge-only USB-A ports on SE models. The touchscreen was small but included pinch-to-zoom capability, and the dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls made it easy to use. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and the newer MIB3 infotainment system, but it offered a straightforward and user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with numerous safety features, including an industry-first rear-passenger airbag. Standard driver-assist features included 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, such as better traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed exceptionally well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System, which provided additional safety measures after a collision.