2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exhibited a classic external design that, while reminiscent of its predecessor, represented advancements in aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient of 0.22, it matched the wind resistance of efficiency-focused cars like the Toyota Prius. Its larger dimensions were noticeable, resulting in a 1.3-inch increase in length and a 2-inch longer wheelbase. The iconic Mercedes hood ornament and grille lent an air of opulence. Standard 19-inch wheels made way for optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, with the 20-inch AMG Line wheels adding a balanced aesthetic.

Inside, the S-Class portrayed a dash dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The minimalist approach was evident with the absence of rotary controllers and the inclusion of rectangular air vents. Ambient lighting added a special touch, boasting about 250 LED elements in 64 color options that integrate with driver-assist functions.

The cabin materials lived up to luxury standards, featuring Nappa leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and intricate Burmester audio system grilles. A two-panel glass roof provided occupants with light and openness. However, the piano-black trim in our test car was prone to smudging and glare.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class integrated stylistic traits from other Mercedes models. It had a front end echoing the CLA-Class and a rear influenced by the S-Class, creating a consistent and recognizable design. The cab-rearward proportions added sporty allure, emphasizing its rear-wheel-drive platform. LED headlights and taillights were standard, with the option to upgrade to an advanced Digital Light system that could project warnings directly from the headlights.

The C-Class aspired to mirror the S-Class interior with features like a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting. While MBTex synthetic leather was standard, higher trims offered genuine Nappa leather. The C-Class delivered a luxurious atmosphere, with the materials and ambient lighting making a compelling case for it over mainstream sedans.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured two main powertrains. The S500 4Matic used a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine outputting 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the S580 4Matic housed a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both included EQ Boost, offering short bursts of additional power (21 hp and 184 pound-feet), paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Zero to 60 mph took 4.8 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580, with both capped at a 130 mph top speed. Standard air suspension ensured a smooth ride, with the sophisticated E-Active Body Control available for an enhanced driving experience. Rear-wheel steering, an S-Class first, improved the turning circle to 36 feet.

In operation, the S580 balanced speed with comfort, although there was notable wind noise at high speeds. Sport and Sport+ modes minimized body roll without reducing ride comfort, and steering was precise without being overly weighted.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was anchored by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system added short bursts of 20 horsepower and 148 pound-feet. These features allowed the C300 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.

The upcoming AMG C43 variant promised a jump to 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, cutting the zero to 60 mph time to 4.6 seconds and raising the top speed to 155 or 165 mph depending on wheel selection.

Our C300 test car was adequately powerful but exhibited turbo lag and inconsistent transmission shifts. Despite this, it maintained luxury standards with a comfortable ride. The C-Class was reasonably athletic on twisty roads, although it required more deliberate handling than some sport-sedans.

The 2021 S-Class saw improvements in interior space over its predecessor. It boasted more front and rear headroom, and significant rear legroom, with leading figures in shoulder room contributing to a spacious feel. Cargo capacity increased slightly to 12.9 cubic feet, albeit still lower than rivals. Additionally, power-adjustable rear seats could impact trunk space.

The S-Class excelled in front seat comfort, with 19-motor power-adjustable seats featuring heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The center console offered ample storage, including a wireless phone charger and cupholders. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed luxurious amenities with optional Executive Line package upgrades.

Meanwhile, the 2022 C-Class, now only available as a sedan, extended its length and width to increase interior space. Headroom rose by 0.1 inch in the front and 0.4 inch in the rear, with rear legroom also gaining an additional 0.8 inch. This made the C-Class a leader in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom among its peers, although front legroom was slightly compromised.

The C-Class seats struck a balance between comfort and support for sporty driving. The trunk offered 17.9 cubic feet of space, beating competitors, and facilitated easy loading with a wide opening and 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench. Placement of some features, such as the wireless charging pad, was slightly inconvenient.

The 2021 S-Class featured a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhanced by six USB ports and an optional 30-speaker Burmester audio system. Rear-seat passengers could enjoy additional entertainment with 11.6-inch touchscreens and a 7-inch tablet.

The updated MBUX system increased computing power by 50%, favoring touchscreen interactions. Functions like climate control and seat adjustments were integrated into the screen, with essential hard buttons retained for simplicity. The augmented-reality HUD was particularly effective, although the high-information layout could be distracting.

The C-Class mirrored the S-Class with a freestanding digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Base models included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims adding premium features like a Burmester 3D surround-sound system and augmented-reality navigation.

MBUX continued to impress with its responsive voice recognition and user-friendly tile-based "Zero Layer" interface, minimizing menu scrolling. Touch controls on the steering wheel were logically grouped, making them intuitive to use.

Safety ratings for the 2021 S-Class from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable, likely due to the car’s exclusivity. However, it included numerous safety features, including an industry-first rear-passenger airbag and standard ADAS like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and forward-collision warning.

Driver-assist features, notably adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, performed exceptionally well, managing highway curves and traffic changes smoothly and effectively.

Similarly, safety ratings for the 2022 C-Class were pending. However, it carried over the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" award into the redesigned version. It provided a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, with advanced options like Car-to-X communication for networked vehicle warnings.

The C-Class also offered Distronic adaptive cruise control in two levels, enhancing its versatility in traffic management, though it still trailed Cadillac's hands-free Super Cruise.