2022 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its stunning design from the previous year, continuing to impress with its sleek and elegant appearance. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its lineage traced back to the 1954 "Ponton" models, and the 2022 version, part of the seventh generation, maintained its status as Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan. The exterior was characterized by a long, low profile, with a distinctive Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament, exuding sophistication. Inside, the S-Class featured a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, highlighted by a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, offering a blend of modern technology and classic elegance.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern and coupe-like exterior into 2022, resembling a smaller Altima. This design marked a significant improvement over earlier models, aligning with Nissan's current design language. The Sentra was available in various bold colours, adding to its visual appeal. Inside, the Sentra's interior shone with a modern yet simple layout, combining form and function. The controls were user-friendly, and the centre dash featured a touchscreen as the focal point. The Sentra offered three trims—S, SV, and SR—each with varying features, from basic amenities to more advanced options like an 8-inch touchscreen and intelligent cruise control. The SR trim added sporty elements, including 18-inch alloy wheels and unique design touches.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both executive commuting and weekend driving pleasure. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost, providing an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a total of 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, also enhanced by EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission 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. 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 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with a CVT option available. The CVT managed power effectively, providing satisfactory low-end acceleration and highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, making it suitable for commuting and road trips. While not outstanding in any particular area, the Sentra offered consistent performance across different driving scenarios.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with ample storage. It featured powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 510-litre trunk. The cabin included six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. 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, provided additional luxury for rear passengers. The S-Class's doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming. Mercedes-Benz offered a four-year/80,000-kilometre warranty for the S500.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. While the trunk lacked a power-opening feature, it could be opened remotely via the key fob or a dashboard button. The Sentra's interior offered spacious seating, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console provided ample storage for personal items.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhanced connectivity. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable themes. Optional features included a 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality navigation. The available augmented reality head-up display projected navigation instructions onto the windshield. The S-Class's audio experience was top-notch, with a standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and an optional 4D Surround system. The EQ Boost and rear-axle steering added to the vehicle's technological prowess.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV and SR trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, the graphics could use updating, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. Despite these limitations, the Sentra's infotainment system provided essential connectivity features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist enhanced driving safety. The S-Class also featured Pre-Safe systems, car-to-x communication, and optional rear-passenger airbags. These advanced safety technologies underscored Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety innovation.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a robust set of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control were available. The Sentra received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. However, the adaptive cruise control's abrupt braking was a concern.