2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, adorned with the Nissan logo. Its overall shape was attractive, featuring a sloping "coupe-like" roofline that contributed to a sleek, aerodynamic profile. The body design leaned more towards folds than curves, giving it a taut and trim essence. However, the Altima's stance appeared mildly ungainly due to the extended overhangs and short dash-to-axle distance, which lent it a slightly old-fashioned look. Despite this, modern features like standard LED lighting and a range of wheel options kept its appearance contemporary. The Altima boasted exceptional fit and finish, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details. It offered nine exterior colors, some with premium pricing. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered and intelligently laid out, with an 8-inch touchscreen display positioned for safety and convenience. The base model felt basic, but higher trims improved interior materials, adding stitching and enhancing the overall feel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic look from the previous year's complete makeover. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of sedans. With roots tracing back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, the S-Class had evolved into Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, now in its seventh generation. The exterior was defined by its sleek, extended profile, with a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, adding elegance to its design. The S-Class proudly displayed its Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament. Inside, the dashboard featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The cabin was dressed in high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, offering a luxurious experience.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a dual personality with its powertrains. Most configurations featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD system could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. Fuel economy for the FWD model was rated at 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined, while the AWD version achieved 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. The standout was the VC-Turbo engine, exclusive to the Altima SR VC-Turbo trim. This turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produced 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, offering a lively performance. It was available only with FWD and achieved 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. The Altima featured four-wheel independent suspension and sport-tuned suspension on the VC-Turbo, though the difference was subtle. The electric-powered steering provided decent feedback and feel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in performance with its advanced powertrains. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding up to 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque to the engine's 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, also benefiting from EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick, with 0-60 mph times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. Handling was flat and predictable, with powerful braking. The S500 achieved 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 managed 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, suitable for both commuting and pleasure driving.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan's acclaimed Zero Gravity front seats, providing comfort on long drives. Upper trims offered power adjustment, position memory, leather appointments, and heated seats. The front cabin included ample storage, with a large glovebox, center console storage bin, cupholders, and door pockets. The second row was roomy for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding seat for trunk access. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and luxurious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The trunk provided 13.8 cubic feet of space. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. Front seats offered heating, ventilation, massage, and memory functions. The Luxury Line added features like a heated steering wheel and rear-seat heating. The Executive Line, exclusive to the S580, upgraded rear seats with advanced features and entertainment systems. The S-Class's doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming. Mercedes-Benz's warranty covered the S500 for four years/50,000 miles.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came equipped with standard tech features, including Nissan Intelligent Key, pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on most models. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen, while others featured an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen. Higher trims offered additional USB ports and a Bose audio system. Active Noise Cancellation was included with the VC-Turbo engine. Navigation and NissanConnect Services were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with cutting-edge technology. The 12.8-inch OLED screen served as the interface for the MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality navigation. The audio experience was enhanced by a Burmester 3D Surround sound system, with an available 4D system. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Nissan Altima prioritized safety with Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on SV and above trims. It included features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and more. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with advanced safety features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and more. Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions. The S-Class also offered car-to-x communication and executive-level safety upgrades for rear passengers.