2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained a familiar exterior design, but with subtle aerodynamic improvements that resulted in a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius. The new model was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a 1.3-inch increase in length and a 2-inch longer wheelbase. The classic Mercedes hood ornament and grille added a touch of luxury, while the standard 19-inch wheels, with optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, provided a robust stance. The interior was dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist design that eliminated many traditional controls. Ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and 64 color options added a futuristic touch, while high-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim maintained the luxury feel.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite claims of all-new body panels, maintained a look similar to its predecessor. The new model was longer and lower, with a stable silhouette and unchanged wheelbase of 103.6 inches. The front end featured a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake and a signature red accent line between the LED headlights. Aerodynamic improvements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with 18-inch wheels on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. The interior featured plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. The driver-centric design included a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings.

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 engine delivering 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system that added 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet 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 both models having a top speed of 130 mph. The S-Class also featured standard air suspension and an optional E-Active Body Control suspension system, along with rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The engine reached peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm and delivered maximum torque at 1,750 rpm. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) with paddle shifters. The front-wheel-drive GTI had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, and slightly better with the automatic. The GTI featured a retuned suspension with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs, along with various drive modes and an electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential for improved handling. The top-tier Autobahn trim included the DCC adaptive damping system for enhanced performance.

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, although it was still less than other luxury sedans. The front seats featured 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with tiny pillows on the head restraints. The center console included a large storage bin, a wireless phone charger, and cupholders, while rear-seat passengers had their own console 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI provided 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly spacious, making the GTI comfortable for rear-seat passengers. The GTI's practicality and performance made it suitable for daily driving and family use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with 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. An optional 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 MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. The S-Class also featured an augmented-reality head-up display and biometric or facial recognition for personal profiles. However, some tech features, like the steering-wheel touchpads, were less user-friendly.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and color options. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation on the SE and Autobahn trims, along with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SE and Autobahn trims also included a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, such as Remote Access, Safe and Secure, and Hotspot. Optional features like Plus Nav, Plus Speech, and Plus Online Radio were available at low annual fees.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a wide range of safety features, such as 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 S-Class also introduced an industry-first rear-passenger airbag and a new steering wheel with capacitive sensors. While crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available, the S-Class' driver-assist features performed exceptionally well.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. All trims featured Park Distance Control, with the Autobahn trim adding Park Assist for automatic parking. As a newly redesigned model, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available.