2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Audi A4

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior design, but its aerodynamic efficiency was significantly improved, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. The new model was slightly larger in all dimensions compared to its predecessor, with a 1.3-inch increase in length and a 2-inch longer wheelbase. The car's size was its most striking feature, 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 providing a balanced look.

Inside, the S-Class was centered around its infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, which dominated the dashboard. Mercedes streamlined the interior by removing the rotary controller and replacing round air vents with rectangular ones. The cabin 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 2022 Audi A4 lineup included the A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, and S4 performance model. The A4 sedan, available in 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI series with Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, started at under $40,000 and could exceed $50,000. Our test car, a Prestige 45 TFSI, featured Tango Red paint, the Black Optic Plus package, 19-inch wheels, and ventilated front seats, totaling $55,890.

The A4's exterior was simple and conservative, yet striking with the Tango Red paint and Black Optic detailing. Inside, the A4 maintained a restrained aesthetic with black materials, aluminum trim, and gloss black décor. The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit and ambient lighting added a modern touch, though the tablet-style touchscreen seemed out of place. The interior was high-quality, with intuitive controls and a comfortable layout.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the S500 4Matic, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the S580 4Matic, delivering 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both engines 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, both with a top speed of 130 mph. The S-Class included standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control, 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 S-Class maintained composure on twisty roads, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2022 Audi A4 40 TFSI featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra AWD. It achieved 29 mpg combined and a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. The 45 TFSI model, with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, had a sport suspension and a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds, with 27 mpg combined.

The A4's driving modes included Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual. In Auto mode, the 45 TFSI averaged 24.8 mpg. The Quattro Ultra AWD system primarily powered the front wheels, transferring power to the rear as needed. The A4 excelled in handling, with outstanding tire grip and reliable brakes. The steering was adequate but not exceptional. The A4's structure and suspension provided a solid, comfortable ride, with remarkable cabin quietness.

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 but remained smaller than competitors. The power-adjustable front seats featured 19 motors, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, with tiny pillows on the headrests. The center console had a large storage bin, wireless phone charger, and cupholders, while rear 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.

The 2022 Audi A4's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, with small door openings and a snug cabin. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power adjustment, thigh support, and a sliding center armrest. The three-zone automatic climate control was user-friendly and separate from the infotainment screen. Rear seats were supportive but limited in space, suitable for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, with the center console bin housing the wireless charging pad and signal booster. The 13 cubic-foot trunk was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2021 S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six USB ports. A 30-speaker Burmester audio system and rear-seat infotainment with 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet were optional. The updated MBUX system had 50% more computing power, with functions like climate control and seat massagers integrated into the touchscreen. The augmented-reality HUD projected navigation arrows, though it could be distracting. The digital instrument cluster had small touchpads, and the ambient lighting reacted to certain functions.

The 2022 Audi A4's MMI system featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with smartphone-like functions, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Audi Connect services. The test car included navigation, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with a Home button for easy navigation. Voice recognition was accurate but slow. The climate controls were separate from the touchscreen, with a knob and buttons for stereo adjustments. The Bang & Olufsen stereo was satisfying, though sound quality degraded at high volumes. The head-up display was hard to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 S-Class lacked crash-test ratings but included numerous safety features, such as a 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, driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering performed well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2022 Audi A4's safety features varied by trim. The Prestige model included front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, surround-view camera, and Park Assist. The Matrix-design LED headlights provided excellent visibility. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.