2021 Volkswagen Passat vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. Volkswagen maintained the basic body shell but altered every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, rounded-off corners evoked the aerodynamic efficiency of 1990s jellybean sedans, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. The R-Line trim added sportier styling elements, though the color palette remained conservative. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls and excellent visibility. However, some buyers might have found the interior plain, with materials like plastic and V-Tex leatherette, though fit and finish were commendable.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continued to impress with its sleek design, unchanged from the previous year's complete makeover. The S-Class, a flagship sedan for Mercedes-Benz, represented the seventh generation of the series, known as the W223. Its exterior was defined by a long, elegant profile, with a notable distance between the front axle and dashboard, enhancing its elegance. The S-Class proudly displayed the Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament, exuding its lineage. Inside, the S-Class featured a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials and meticulous assembly. The dashboard showcased a waterfall of open-pore wood trim, highlighting the 12.8-inch touchscreen in the center stack. A separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel added to the sophisticated design, offering distinct functions. The S-Class was a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury and innovation.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered a single powertrain option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly below average compared to rivals, the torque output was impressive, providing enough power to spin the wheels when accelerating from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, requiring Sport mode or manual gear selection for better performance. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. On the highway, ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in performance, offering two engine options. The S500 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost system added up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque during high-demand situations. The S580 model boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also benefiting from EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick off the line, with 0-60 mph times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. Handling was smooth and predictable, with powerful braking. The S-Class offered a balance of performance and efficiency, with fuel economy ratings of up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway for the S500 and 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the S580.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat emphasized rear legroom, offering 39.1 inches, though it fell slightly short compared to the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. This came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. Front headroom was also limited. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and lack of thigh support in the front seats. The rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some competitors but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. However, the layout of controls was a highlight, featuring big buttons and knobs within easy reach, complemented by easy-to-read analog gauges.

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 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided ample storage space. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. Front-row passengers benefited from raid-heating and ventilating active multicontour seats with 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 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. R-Line models added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. Keyless entry was standard on SE and R-Line trims. A single USB-A port handled connectivity, with two rear charge-only USB-A ports on SE models. The touchscreen was small but included pinch-to-zoom capability. Basic functions were easily controlled with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit and MIB3 infotainment system found in other VW models, appealing to those seeking simplicity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class showcased cutting-edge technology, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. A 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest. Augmented video for navigation and an available augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system adding headrest speakers. The S-Class's powertrain and chassis featured innovations like EQ Boost and rear-axle steering, improving maneuverability.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, though its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System, enhancing safety after a collision.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and available features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while driver assistance features included active distance assist Distronic, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist, Pre-Safe Plus, and car-to-x communication. The S-Class offered rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags for added protection.