2021 BMW 5 Series vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was known for its understated elegance, lacking the flamboyant design elements of its 3 Series sibling or the grandiose presence of the 7 Series. It was a vehicle that preferred to blend in rather than stand out, appealing to those who appreciated subtlety in luxury. The 2021 model received a minor facelift, enhancing its sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a slightly larger twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package added trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers, contributing to a more refined appearance. Inside, the 5 Series retained its classic BMW layout, with familiar design cues that were unmistakably BMW, from the touchscreen positioning to the unique shifter design. However, the interior materials varied by trim level, with options for SensaTec, Dakota leather, and Nappa leather, the latter providing a luxurious feel in the test car.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continued to impress with its sleek and sophisticated design, following a complete makeover in the previous year. The S-Class maintained its status as Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, embodying elegance with its extended, low profile and a long distance between the front axle and dashboard. This design choice added a touch of grace to the vehicle's appearance. The S-Class's exterior was marked by a proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament, while the interior was a testament to luxury, featuring high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The dashboard was a highlight, with open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen taking centre stage. The cabin was designed to delight, offering a serene and comfortable environment for both drivers and passengers.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the base 530i sedan, which featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 210 km/h or 235 km/h with performance tires. The 540i model, equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp, while the legendary M5 offered 617 hp in Competition spec, reaching zero to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. Additionally, the 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, providing 288 hp and a 31 km electric range.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine in the S500 model, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost system added up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque during high-demand situations. The S580 model came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, also benefiting from the EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel consumption ratings of 11.4 L/100 km city/8.0 highway/9.9 combined for the S500 and 14.3 L/100 km city/9.5 highway/12.2 combined for the S580.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series was available as a four-door, five-seat sedan in Canada, offering a spacious interior that matched its exterior proportions. While the rear seats appeared slightly less roomy on paper compared to rivals, they still provided ample space for passengers. The 540i model featured a 396-litre trunk, larger than those of the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for added versatility. The test car came with 16-way power front seats, offering comfort and support, although forward visibility was somewhat compromised by the long hood. A surround-view camera system helped with parking maneuvers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and comfortable cabin, catering to both drivers and passengers. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 510-litre trunk offered ample storage space. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply for rear passengers. The front seats were equipped with rapid-heating active multicontour seats, lumbar support, and comfort headrests. Optional features included ventilated seats, heated armrests, and massaging rear seats. The Executive Rear Seating package, exclusive to the S580, added a 43-degree recline, power calf rest, and rear controls for the right front seat. Soft-close doors added a touch of convenience to the luxurious experience.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the latest iDrive 7 system, along with a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The graphics on both screens were excellent, although the instrument cluster's layout could be improved. The rotary knob for infotainment control provided a tactile feel, and voice control was available with the prompt "Hey BMW." Gesture controls were also offered, although they required some learning.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class showcased cutting-edge technology, with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen as the centrepiece of the MBUX infotainment system. OLED technology offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel featured customizable visual themes, and an optional 3D instrument cluster added depth to the display. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system provided high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D Surround system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS for the virtually-identical 2020 model, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was praised for its sophistication and smooth operation.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Magic Vision Control for optimized windshield spray. Driver assistance features included active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, and active brake assist with cross-traffic function. The S-Class also featured Pre-Safe systems for collision preparation and car-to-x communication for sharing road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.