2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a continuation of the bold design introduced in the 2020 model year, stood out in the midsize sedan market with its aggressive styling. Despite some comparisons to a catfish, the Sonata Hybrid's unique look, especially in a matte gray finish, was designed to catch the eye. The exterior featured neat details like an integrated deck-lid spoiler and aerodynamic strakes in the taillights. Inside, the cabin was more conventional yet refined, with soft-touch surfaces and a modern haptic bezel surrounding the vivid touchscreen infotainment system. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making long trips enjoyable for both front and rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained a classic yet slightly updated exterior design, with a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius. The S-Class was larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and increased dimensions, giving it a commanding presence. The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach that eliminated the usual rotary controller and round air vents. The ambient lighting system was a standout feature, with 250 LED elements and 64 color options, enhancing the luxurious feel of the cabin. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim added to the opulence, although the piano-black trim was prone to smudging.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. The Limited trim featured a solar panel roof, adding about two miles per day to the driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration, with a Drive Mode toggle allowing selection between Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart modes. The transition between battery-only and engine power was seamless, and the auto stop-start system was minimally intrusive. The steering was light yet precise, and the brakes provided solid stopping power with a refined pedal feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 429 horsepower and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 496 horsepower. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system providing additional electric assist. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds, with top speeds limited to 130 mph. The S-Class came with standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control, along with rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, one of the largest among midsize hybrid sedans. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. The sloping roofline resulted in a low rear door opening, but once inside, rear headroom was adequate. Front passengers had access to cargo pockets and a center console, with a wireless charging pad in the Limited trim.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted increased front and rear headroom and more rear legroom than its predecessor. It offered segment-leading shoulder room, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The trunk space was 12.9 cubic feet, slightly larger than before but still less than other luxury sedans. The S-Class featured power-adjustable front seats with 19 motors, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The center console provided ample storage, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the Limited trim upgrading to a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the larger screen. The layout was intuitive, with crisp graphics and a traditional volume knob. The Limited trim included a wireless charging pad and a head-up display, though the HUD's adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MBUX infotainment system had increased computing power and relied more on the touchscreen. Functions like climate control and seat massagers were integrated into the screen, but hard buttons remained for essential functions. The augmented-reality HUD projected navigation arrows, though the amount of information could be distracting. The digital instrument cluster had beautiful graphics, but the steering-wheel touchpads were small and difficult to use. The S-Class allowed for personal profiles with biometric access and rear-seat occupants could send navigation directions to the main screen.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view parking monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a wide array of safety features, such as a rear-passenger airbag, adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and blind-spot monitoring. The S-Class' driver-assist systems were improved, with traffic-sign recognition detecting stop signs and red lights, and lane-keep assist reading road edges. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed smoothly and effectively, handling highway curves with ease.