2019 Nissan Maxima vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a refined version of Nissan’s V-shaped design, which had become more acceptable over the years. For 2019, Nissan updated the Maxima with new projector-beam LED headlights, an edgier grille, and a silver bumper strip beneath enlarged fog-lamp enclosures. The LED taillights were tinted black and featured intricate reflector patterns. Despite these updates, the Maxima retained its stylish concave front fascia, wavy side creases, and the distinctive “floating roof.” Inside, the Maxima boasted upgraded, softer materials, with the SV trim showcasing contrast stitching, tight panel gaps, and polished black console trim. The all-black interior of the SV trim highlighted its quality with ample padding and upscale textures.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, featured a streamlined, rounded body reminiscent of the E-Class from two generations ago. The design, while conservative, was versatile and fit the unshowy nature of its buyers. The sedan looked especially rich with the hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, a nod to Mercedes tradition. LED lighting was delicate, and the proportions were visually appealing across different models. Inside, the E-Class delighted with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood. The high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, and the ambient lighting offered 64 colors with animations. The interior was a place of solitude, with heated armrests, massaging seats, and smooth textures.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sent power to the front wheels. Despite the potential for torque steer, the Maxima managed to mitigate it effectively. The traction control was well-sorted, providing immediate and smooth thrust without the annoying sound of a strained engine. However, the Maxima’s mushy brake pedal and numb steering detracted from the driving experience. The suspension offered a near-perfect combination of ride quality and nimble response, making the Maxima fun to drive despite its steering and brake deficiencies. The fuel economy was decent, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains. The E350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The E450 upgraded to a 3.0-liter V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. AMG models, like the E53 and E63 S, offered even more power, with the E63 S boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The E-Class provided a smooth and cushy ride, with precise handling and a range of driving modes. Fuel economy varied, with EPA estimates between 19 to 23 mpg city and 26 to 32 highway, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a single 8-inch touchscreen display, which was easy to use and responsive. The climate and heated-seat switches were conveniently located, and the seating position was geared toward the driver. The Maxima’s trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, which was smaller than some competitors, but there was ample passenger room in the front and rear. The front seats were especially comfortable, designed to reduce muscle fatigue with Zero Gravity technology.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while featuring a complicated COMAND infotainment system, offered a highly functional interior. The digital dash could be reconfigured in multiple designs, and the coupe had a usable rear seat. The wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The E-Class provided plenty of space in every dimension, with great sightlines and high-res gauges. The front passenger seat could slide forward to make extra room when the rear seats folded down, and the cupholders were neatly concealed.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima came with an updated navigation system, except for the base S trim. The infotainment home screen could be customized, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Maxima also featured a high-speed USB-C port, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and additional remote services through NissanConnect. The instrument panel screen could display multiple readouts, and the Bose stereo included active noise cancellation.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered advanced tech features, including a semi-automated driving system that could steer itself, change lanes, and sense obstacles. The V2X system communicated with nearby Mercedes models about road hazards. The dash could be reconfigured, and the Burmester stereo provided surround-sound modes. The Energizing Comfort Package adjusted the climate settings and lighting to match the preset mood. AMG models included a Track Pace app for race track guidance.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima included standard safety features like forward-emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, while the SR trim included pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. The Platinum trim added reverse emergency braking. The Maxima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and were rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were considered equally safe. The E-Class included innovative safety features like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolsters that inflated during a side collision. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.