2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, adorned with the Nissan logo. Its overall shape was sleek and aerodynamic, featuring a sloping "coupe-like" roofline. The body design leaned towards folds rather than curves, giving it a taut appearance, though the extended overhangs and short dash-to-axle distance lent it a slightly old-fashioned look. Modern touches like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept it contemporary. The Altima boasted exceptional fit and finish, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details, available in six exterior colours with creative names. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered, with an 8-inch touchscreen display positioned for safety and convenience. The base model felt basic, but higher trims offered improved materials and stitching, enhancing the overall feel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic look from the previous year's complete makeover. Despite the trend towards SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of sedans. With roots tracing back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, the seventh-generation S-Class, code-named "W223," continued as Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan. Its sleek exterior featured a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, exuding elegance. The proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament highlighted its lineage. Inside, the dashboard delighted with open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The cabin was dressed in high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, offering a luxurious experience.

The 2021 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. Notably, it featured standard all-wheel drive, a rarity among mid-size sedans in Canada, with the ability to send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined for the base model, with slight increases for higher trims. The Altima's suspension setup included four-wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bars, providing decent steering feedback and feel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine in the S500, with EQ Boost adding up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque to the engine's 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. The S580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with the same EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and 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. Fuel consumption was 11.4 L/100 km city, 8.0 highway, and 9.9 combined for the S500, and 14.3 city, 9.5 highway, and 12.2 combined for the S580. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, suitable for both commuting and pleasure driving.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, praised for comfort on long drives. Standard features included power adjustment and front seat heating, with leather and memory options on higher trims. The front cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, centre console bin, and door pockets. The rear seats provided sufficient headroom and legroom for two adults, with a 60/40 split for trunk access. The trunk had a capacity of 436 litres.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in comfort and luxury, with a serene cabin and ample space. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The 510-litre trunk offered generous storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. Front seats included rapid-heating active multicontour seats with memory and lumbar support, with options for ventilated seats, heated armrests, and massaging rear seats. The Executive Rear Seating package in the S580 catered to chauffeured passengers with reclining seats and additional controls. Soft-close doors added convenience, and the warranty covered four years or 80,000 kilometres.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with standard tech features like keyless entry, pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and more. It included an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch Drive-Assist display, and multiple USB ports. SiriusXM satellite radio was standard on all but the base model, with a Bose audio system on the Platinum. Navigation and NissanConnect Services were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel, and optional 3D instrument cluster. Augmented video for navigation and an available augmented reality HUD enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system provided high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system for an immersive experience. The S-Class also offered EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for improved performance and maneuverability.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of active and passive safety features, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and more. ProPilot Assist on the Platinum grade offered highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance systems, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and more. Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions. The S-Class also offered rear-passenger airbags and car-to-x communication for enhanced safety.