2021 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The WRX had a wedge-like front end and a very short trunk lid, giving it a dynamic, speedy appearance even when idle. Its aerodynamic bodywork and functional hood scoop added just the right touch of a sporty vibe. On the inside, the WRX was quite utilitarian. It had a straightforward, function-first interior but it compromised on fit and finish. The materials used were predominantly hard plastics, which amplified its reputation as less refined, particularly when compared to rivals like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.

When discussing trims, the base WRX came with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, manual seats, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and USB ports. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated seats, pushbutton start, auto on/off headlights, and a larger 7-inch infotainment screen. The top-tier Limited model, which we tested, upped the ante with leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, LED fog lights, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights. This trim also offered an optional package featuring navigation, a premium stereo, and advanced driver-assistance features.

In contrast, the look and feel of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained an air of timeless elegance. Coming off a complete makeover in the previous year, the vehicle continued to shine among luxury sedans. Observers who had prematurely announced the demise of sedans might have reconsidered their position upon encountering the S-Class.

The S-Class has roots going back to the 1954 "Ponton" models and officially started its lineage in 1972. The 2022 S-Class, part of the seventh generation coded "W223," continued as Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan. Exterior-wise, one word summarized it: sleek. The car had a long body with an extended profile that screamed sophistication. Noteworthy was the significant distance between the front axle and the dashboard, an elegant design hallmark admired by car designers. With its proud Mercedes-Benz grille and iconic star hood ornament, the S-Class exuded an understated elegance that couldn't be mistaken for any other brand.

Inside, the S-Class dashboard delighted with its waterfall of open-pore wood trim, enhancing its 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface. The separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel reflected high-caliber craftsmanship and a commitment to luxury, dressed in quality materials and meticulously fitted.

The manual transmission posed a challenge with its vague clutch feel, making driving less precise, especially when compared to the high-performance WRX STI. The WRX also came with Vehicle Dynamics Control and Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering precision. Despite its prowess, the WRX's ride was considerably stiffer compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

On the other side, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivered a luxurious yet powerful performance. The S500 model came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, benefiting from the EQ Boost system. This system provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque when needed, bolstering the already impressive figures of 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.

The S580 started with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine and also featured the EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and had the standard 4Matic AWD. Despite its considerable weight (4,740 pounds for the S500 and 4,775 pounds for the S580), the S-Class was quick, with the S500 reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. Handling was smooth and predictable, and braking was powerful.

The S-Class balanced performance with fuel efficiency, offering 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined for the S500, and 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined for the S580, complemented by a 22.2-gallon fuel tank.

In terms of form and function, the 2021 Subaru WRX and the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class catered to different needs. The WRX, with its three-box design, presented a conventional sedan layout. Its trunk offered up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space, which was more than the Civic Si coupe (11.9 cubic feet) but less than the Civic Si sedan (14.7 cubic feet) and far behind the VW GTI’s 53.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded. Even with the rear seats up, the GTI offered more space (17.4 cubic feet).

The WRX had a somewhat dated interior layout. The door bottle-holders weren’t wide enough for larger water bottles, which could be an inconvenience. The driving position was comfortable and upright, providing great visibility. The rear seats were surprisingly spacious for a compact sedan, making it easy to accommodate four adults.

Meanwhile, the S-Class was tailored to executive comfort and luxury. Its spacious cabin offered serenity and elegance, complete with powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and an opulent 13.8-cubic-foot trunk carpeted luxuriously. Inside, six USB-C ports (four in the front, two in the rear) and a 115-volt power supply in the second row ensured connectivity.

The front seats dazzled with features such as active multicontour seats with heating, ventilating, messaging, lumbar support, and front comfort headrests. Various packages, including the Luxury Line and Executive Line, further enhanced the comfort and functionality with added heating elements, memory features, and the "Energizing Comfort" health and wellness system.

One drawback of the S-Class's luxury was that its doors opened very wide, making them harder to reach and close from a seated position. However, the soft-close feature mitigated the inconvenience.

In the tech department, the 2021 Subaru WRX and the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had remarkably different offerings. The WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite their somewhat dated graphics, the infotainment system was user-friendly, with essential features like navigation and an upgraded Harman Kardon premium stereo available on the Limited trim.

Conversely, the S-Class brimmed with cutting-edge technology. It featured a 12.8-inch OLED screen for its MBUX infotainment system, promising superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel offered customizable visual themes. An optional 3D instrument cluster added depth, making information more noticeable.

Standard augmented video for navigation and an optional Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (HUD) enhanced driving assistance. The audio experience was top-notch, with a Burmester 3D Surround sound system standard and a 4D Surround system available. The latter added headrest speakers for a richer audio experience. Additionally, the EQ Boost system and available rear-axle steering added to the vehicle's technological sophistication.

In terms of safety, the 2021 Subaru WRX lagged with no standard advanced safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was only available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. The Limited trim offered options like adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. All trims came standard with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

On the other hand, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in safety features. It included Magic Vision Control, active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, and extensive active brake assist with cross-traffic and turn-off functions. Additional features included active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist with Parktronic, and Pre-Safe systems preparing the car for imminent collisions. Executive-level safety upgrades included rear-passenger airbags and occupant restraint protection.