2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the idea that a car could reflect its owner's personality. With its athletic proportions and dynamic stance, the IS made a bold statement even when stationary. Its design captured a sense of motion, with an elegant distance between the front axle and dashboard, and a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback. The distinctive kick-up of the window base at the rear added a sporty touch, while the spindle grille and narrow headlights gave it an assertive look. Inside, the IS featured a simple yet modern dashboard, with a retro hi-fi feel to the centre stack. The interior's bold lines and high build quality matched the exterior's modern aesthetic, although the analog clock felt outdated amidst the contemporary design.

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 a flagship sedan, with a lineage dating back to the 1954 "Ponton" models. The seventh-generation S-Class, known as the W223, was a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury and elegance. Its extended, low profile exuded sophistication, with a long distance between the front axle and dashboard enhancing its elegant appearance. The S-Class's exterior was defined by its sleek lines and proud Mercedes-Benz grille, while the interior boasted a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, providing a luxurious and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers.

The 2021 Lexus IS was designed to compete in the luxury sports sedan category, with a focus on delivering a sporty driving experience. It featured the "Lexus Driving Signature," a philosophy aimed at providing linear operation and seamless transitions during cornering. The IS 300 RWD was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS's top speed was 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0-60 mph ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway, while the AWD version had slightly higher consumption.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, on the other hand, offered a blend of power and luxury, making it suitable for both commuting and pleasure driving. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, providing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor. The S580 model had a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, also benefiting from EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick, with 0-100 km/h times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel consumption rated at 11.4 L/100 km city/8.0 highway for the S500 and 14.3 L/100 km city/9.5 highway for the S580.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver-centred design, with an adjustable driver position and comfortable, supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models, offering heating and ventilation. The IS featured NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with various compartments and a 305.8-litre trunk. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and spacious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 510-litre trunk offered ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. The driver and front passenger benefited from rapid-heating active multicontour seats, with options for ventilated seats, heated armrests, and massaging rear seats. The Executive Rear Seating package in the S580 catered to chauffeured passengers, offering a 43-degree recline and additional controls. The S-Class's doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus's connected services. The system included a three-year trial of Lexus Enform Safety Connect and an eight-year subscription to Lexus Enform Service Connect. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a standout feature, offering high-quality sound.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen and the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency, while the 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable themes. The S-Class featured augmented video for navigation and an optional augmented reality head-up display. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also boasted EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for enhanced performance.

The 2021 Lexus IS received top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a range of safety features, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The IS also featured blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and LED lighting.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance systems, including Magic Vision Control, active distance assist, and active brake assist. The S-Class also featured Pre-Safe systems, car-to-x communication, and available rear-passenger airbags. These features ensured a high level of safety for both driver and passengers.