2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra

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 available, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach, featuring rectangular air vents and eliminating the rotary controller. The ambient lighting system was enhanced with 250 LED elements and 64 color options. 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 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a dramatic redesign for the 2021 model year, transforming its appearance with a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a four-door-coupe silhouette. The exterior styling was unique, with a "Z" shape created by the creases and folds on the doors. The interior saw significant improvements in material quality, with some hard plastics, but overall, it was above the norm for the compact car class. The Elantra was available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with the Elantra Hybrid in Blue and Limited trims. The N Line featured sporty styling elements, including N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it had N Line brand sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and shift knob, along with a black headliner and aluminum pedals.

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. 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.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The N Line had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's DCT was a bit clunky at low rpm but delivered crisp shifts at higher speeds. The N Line also had sport-tuned suspension, steering, and revised powertrain mounts, with a multi-link independent rear suspension and larger front brake rotors. The N Line provided a sporty driving experience, though the sport seats were less comfortable on long drives.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had 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 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 2022 Hyundai Elantra was easy to navigate in tight spaces, with clearly marked controls and plenty of storage options. The seats were comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position made entry and exit more challenging. The Elantra offered excellent outward visibility and adequate rear seat space for children, though taller adults would prefer the front seats. Cargo space was 14.2 cubic feet, with a narrow trunk opening due to the sloping roofline. The trunk lid support arms could crush items in their path. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open. The lack of USB ports and air conditioning vents in the rear was a drawback.

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. 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 Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system had increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The system included an augmented-reality head-up display (HUD) and personal profiles accessible with biometric or facial recognition. The digital instrument cluster had small steering-wheel touchpads, and the ambient lighting reacted to certain functions.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra came with an 8-inch display audio touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and four speakers. The SEL, Hybrid Blue, and N Line trims added two speakers, satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services. The Limited and Hybrid Limited trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, dynamic voice recognition, and wireless device charging. Hyundai Digital Key was standard on the N Line and Limited trims. The infotainment system was easy to pair with an iPhone, and the Apple CarPlay integration was seamless. The six-speaker audio system was adequate but not exceptional.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured a rear-passenger airbag and standard driver-assist features, including 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 performed well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra's standard SmartSense suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and lane-centering assistance. Additional features included driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered intersection turn assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests.