2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior design, yet its aerodynamic efficiency was notable, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.22. This model was slightly larger than its predecessor, with increased length, wheelbase, height, and width. The classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille added a touch of luxury, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with options for 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the S-Class featured a minimalist design centered around a prominent infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The interior was enhanced by ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and a choice of 64 colors. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim were standard, though the piano-black trim was prone to smudging.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern, coupe-like exterior into 2022. It resembled a smaller Altima and was a significant improvement over earlier models. The Sentra was available in various bold colors, including a contrasting black roof option. Inside, the Sentra's simple yet functional layout was a highlight, with easy-to-use controls and a central touchscreen. The base S trim included essential features like a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered larger screens and additional amenities. The Midnight Edition package added dark accents and unique styling elements, enhancing the Sentra's visual appeal.

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 delivering 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system providing additional electric assist. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds, with top speeds limited to 130 mph. The S-Class included standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control, along with rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. Despite some wind noise at highway speeds, the S-Class maintained composure on twisty roads, with precise steering and effective driving modes.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not exceptional, the engine provided satisfactory performance for both city and highway driving. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions adequately. The Sport button on the shifter offered minimal performance enhancement, but the Sentra's consistent performance across different settings was commendable for a compact car.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered increased front and rear headroom, as well as more rear legroom compared to its predecessor. It led in shoulder room, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though it remained less than other luxury sedans. The front seats featured 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, with head restraints equipped with pillows. The center console provided ample storage, and 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 suitable for chauffeur service.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing many small sedans. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench allowed for expanded cargo capacity, though the ledge created by the bench could hinder loading larger items. The Sentra's trunk could be opened remotely via the key fob or a dashboard button. Inside, the Sentra provided spacious seating for both rows, with ample headroom and legroom in the front. The center console featured cupholders and trays for storage, while large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders added convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. The S-Class included a 30-speaker Burmester audio system and an augmented-reality head-up display. While the digital instrument cluster had impressive graphics, the steering-wheel touchpads were small and challenging to use. The ambient lighting reacted to certain functions, though it felt more gimmicky than practical. The S-Class allowed drivers to set up personal profiles with biometric or facial recognition, and rear-seat occupants could send navigation directions to the main screen.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume/tuning dials. However, the graphics could benefit from an update, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. Despite these limitations, the Sentra's infotainment system was functional and easy to navigate.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it included numerous safety features. These comprised an industry-first 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, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. Mercedes claimed improvements in these features, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering performing better than most competitors.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control were available. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from IIHS, with high ratings for crash testing and driver-assistance effectiveness.