2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior design, but with significant aerodynamic improvements, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. It was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased height and width. The car's size was imposing, 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 focused on a minimalist design centered around an infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Mercedes eliminated many traditional controls, opting for a cleaner look with rectangular air vents and extensive ambient lighting featuring 250 LED elements in 64 colors. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim were standard, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections. The two-panel glass roof added to the luxurious feel, though some design choices fell short of expectations.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance continued the legacy of the original IS F with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 500 was a thrilling drive, balancing emotional excitement with daily practicality. It was priced at $56,500, with our test car totaling $62,575 with options.

The IS 500's design was subtle, with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch wheels. The interior was similar to the IS 350 F Sport, featuring quality materials and a comfortable layout for four passengers. The addition of a wide touchscreen display improved usability, though the touchpad controller remained a space-consuming feature. The trunk space was limited at 10.8 cubic feet, and rear passengers lacked smartphone charging options.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 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 came with standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control system for enhanced ride quality. Rear-wheel steering improved maneuverability, reducing the turning circle to 36 feet. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and well-balanced driving modes. However, some wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The car weighed 11 pounds less than the RC F coupe and 143 pounds more than the IS 350 F Sport, with a weight distribution of 56% front and 44% rear. The eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and limited-slip differential were standard, with driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+.

The IS 500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with adaptive variable suspension and a Yamaha rear performance damper for improved ride quality. The car's brakes were upgraded for better cooling and performance. The IS 500 was comfortable and easy to drive, with a throaty engine note and responsive handling. However, road noise was an issue, and the car's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 17.7 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz 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, though it was still less than other luxury sedans. The power-adjustable front seats had 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with incredibly comfortable head restraints. The center console featured a large storage bin and a wireless phone charger, while rear-seat passengers had their own console with cupholders and climate controls.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance provided excellent climate control, with effective seat ventilation and heating. The front seats were snug and comfortable, with good thigh support and a driving position that fostered intimacy with the controls. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Trunk space was limited at 10.8 cubic feet. The control layout was excellent, with clear buttons and knobs, and the touchscreen infotainment system was easy to use.

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 rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens were available. The updated MBUX infotainment system had increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The augmented-reality head-up display projected navigation directions, though it could be distracting. The digital instrument cluster had small touchpads that were difficult to use, and the ambient lighting reacted to certain functions.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance had a touchscreen infotainment display, with separate climate and stereo controls. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had not been crash-tested by 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, driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.

The 2022 Lexus IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a range of driving assistance, collision warning, and collision-prevention technologies. The lane-departure warning system and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance worked well, though the Curve Speed Reduction function could be too aggressive. The low-speed automatic braking technology was aggravating in heavy traffic. The IS earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it received a four-star frontal-impact collision rating.