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 the jellybean sedans from the 1990s, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and, on Execline models, 19-inch wheels with an Adaptive Front-lighting System.

Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls for ease of use. The dashboard was short and low, enhancing forward visibility, while a low beltline improved side visibility. However, some buyers might have found the interior plain, with silver-coloured plastic trim and leatherette upholstery. Despite this, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's market positioning as a value option. The flat-bottomed steering wheel was a questionable design choice, seeming out of place in such an un-sporty car.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continued to impress with its sleek design, following a complete makeover in the previous year. The S-Class, rooted in a rich history dating back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, represented the seventh generation of Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan. The exterior was defined by its extended, low profile, with a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, contributing to its elegant appearance. The S-Class proudly displayed the Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament, maintaining its lineage.

Inside, the S-Class dashboard featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. A separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel allowed for distinct functions. The cabin was dressed in high-quality materials, meticulously fitted and assembled, providing a luxurious experience for all passengers. The S-Class offered a serene cabin with comfort and luxury, including powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 510-litre trunk. The driver and front passenger enjoyed rapid-heating active multicontour seats, while the Executive Rear Seating package catered to the chauffeured set with additional features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre 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 pulling away from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, requiring the use of Sport mode or manual gear selection for better acceleration. 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 offered a more dynamic performance with its S500 model, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine. The EQ Boost system supplemented the gas engine with an electric motor, providing up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The S500 delivered 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, while the S580 model featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick off the line, with 0-100 km/h times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. The S-Class handled smoothly, offering a comfortable and responsive driving experience. Fuel consumption for the S500 was 11.4 L/100 km city/8.0 highway/9.9 combined, while the S580 was rated at 14.3 L/100 km city/9.5 highway/12.2 combined.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted roomy back seats with 993 millimetres of rear legroom, although this was slightly less than competitors like the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. The front legroom was below average for the segment, and front headroom was also lacking compared to other midsize sedans. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and seats lacking thigh support. The rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat offered 450 litres of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than the Accord and Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. However, the layout of controls was excellent, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in form and function, providing a spacious and luxurious cabin. 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 in the second row. The driver and front passenger benefited from rapid-heating active multicontour seats with memory and lumbar support. Optional features included ventilated seats, heated armrests, and massaging rear seats. The Executive Rear Seating package added a 43-degree recline, power calf rest, and rear controls for the right front seat. The S-Class's doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. A single USB-A port handled connectivity functions. The touchscreen was small by modern standards but included pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat lacked flashy tech features, such as the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster or the newer MIB3 infotainment system. Driver aids were basic, making the Passat suitable for those seeking simplicity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with a 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system provided high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D system adding headrest speakers. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost and rear-axle steering for enhanced performance and maneuverability.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, but 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, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline grade added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control adjusted windshield spray for optimal visibility. Driver assistance 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. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.