2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI presented a stealthy, unassuming exterior that belied its performance capabilities. Its conservative styling, marked by a 2-box design, honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets, gave it a subtle yet sporty appearance. The Rabbit Edition trim, with its gloss black 18-inch wheels, rear roof spoiler, and side mirror caps, added a touch of flair, though some found the bunny badge on the hatch a bit excessive. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design, clear instrumentation, and quality materials, including the whimsical Clark Plaid cloth upholstery, created a functional and appealing cabin.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a more fluid and streamlined design, reminiscent of the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, the E-Class catered to a conservative and understated clientele. The sedan's hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille exuded traditional Mercedes elegance, while the sport grille with a large emblem added a modern touch. The interior was luxurious, with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood accents, complemented by two feet of high-res digital screens and ambient lighting in 64 colors. The E-Class's design was both sophisticated and functional, offering a serene and comfortable driving environment.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a thrill to drive, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The VAQ limited-slip differential, standard on all trims, enhanced traction and handling, making the GTI agile and responsive on twisty roads. The 6-speed manual gearbox provided a satisfying driving experience, with light clutch action and short throws. The GTI's lowered sport suspension delivered a stiff ride, but the optional adaptive damping suspension offered a more comfortable alternative. Despite some wind and road noise, the GTI's performance and handling were impressive, with progressive steering and strong brakes borrowed from the Golf R.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350's turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The E450's 3.0-liter V6, with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, provided a more powerful and refined driving experience. The AMG E53 and E63 S models took performance to another level, with the E53's hybrid setup delivering 429 horsepower and the E63 S's twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower. The E-Class's 9-speed automatic transmission and various driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for a versatile driving experience. The E-Class excelled in providing a smooth and comfortable ride, with precise handling and advanced all-wheel-drive systems available on higher trims.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a practical choice for families and driving enthusiasts alike. The front seats, available in plaid cloth or leather, were height-adjustable and offered excellent support. The dashboard layout was clear and functional, with ample storage options, including a large glove box and deep door-panel bins. The backseat provided acceptable comfort, though legroom was tight. The GTI's trunk offered 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite some limitations, the GTI's interior was well-designed and versatile.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted a spacious and luxurious interior, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The sedan and wagon models offered generous legroom and headroom, while the coupe and cabriolet provided a more intimate but still comfortable experience. The E-Class's seats were highly adjustable and featured advanced climate controls. The wagon's rear-facing jump seat was a unique and practical feature. The E-Class's infotainment system, though complex, offered a wealth of features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The digital dash and ambient lighting added to the car's high-tech appeal, making the E-Class a comfortable and functional choice.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link. The SE trim offered an upgraded 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The GTI Autobahn added a navigation system and a semi-autonomous parking assistant. While the Rabbit Edition's infotainment system was basic, it provided essential features for a connected driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system, V2X communication, and multi-contour seats with side bolsters. The infotainment system, though complex, offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Burmester stereo provided high-quality sound, and the front camera activated automatically when parking. The E-Class also included unique features like the Energizing Comfort Package and the Track Pace app for AMG models, making it a tech-forward vehicle with both practical and novelty features.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard on the Rabbit Edition. The GTI SE added Car-Net Safety & Security services, while the GTI Autobahn included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. All GTIs featured an automatic post-collision braking system. The GTI received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it had some limitations in front passenger protection and automatic braking assessment.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were expected to perform similarly. The E-Class included innovative safety features like Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during side collisions, and crosswind stabilization. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.