2019 Volvo S60 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Volvo had managed to completely transform its image from quirky to sexy over the past decade. The 2019 S60, a scaled-down version of the flagship S90 sedan, competed with luxury models like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The S60 featured straight lines and precise angles, but its rear fender and C-pillar gave it an athletic stance. The design was so appealing that it invited closer inspection, even if it didn't always prioritize function.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, resembled the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class with its rounded, smooth body. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers. The sedan looked especially rich with a hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, while most models featured a sport grille with a large Mercedes emblem. LED lighting added a delicate touch, and the car's proportions were visually appealing whether on 17-inch wheels or 20s with ground effects and quad exhausts.

The 2019 Volvo S60 offered three powertrain options: T5, T6, and T8. The T5 featured a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, sent to front-wheel drive (FWD). The T6, which we drove, had a twin-charged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, sent to all-wheel drive (AWD). The T8 was a plug-in hybrid with a combined 400 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, capable of a 21-mile all-electric range. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T6 provided instant throttle and transmission responses, making it a joy to drive. Fuel economy for the T6 was estimated at 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined, with our test yielding 23.2 mpg.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class replaced the E300 with the E350, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The E450 offered a 3.0-liter V6 with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, providing effortless performance. AMG models included the E53 with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, and the extreme E63 S with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. AWD was standard on most models, with RWD available on the E350 sedan and E450 coupe/cabriolet. Fuel economy ranged from 19 to 23 mpg city and 26 to 32 highway, depending on the powertrain.

The 2019 Volvo S60's interior focused on aesthetics, with sensible steering-wheel-mounted controls and ample cubby space. However, the placement of the starter and drive-mode selector was awkward. The conventional shifter was a smart choice, offering familiarity in a market filled with proprietary designs. Backseat space was decent, and the 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space was average for the class.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complicated COMAND infotainment system on its large screens, which were not touchscreens. The system required multiple steps for simple tasks, making it highly distracting. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality with seat and climate controls on the door panels, ample space, and great sightlines. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The interior was luxurious, with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and polished wood.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured the Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which took a tablet-like approach to menu navigation. While visually appealing, it required multiple touches for simple tasks like adjusting the climate control. The system occasionally lagged or froze, which could be frustrating. However, it included a Volume dial, Play/Pause button, and Home button for easier navigation.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced tech, including a semi-automated driving system, V2X communication, and customizable digital dash displays. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Burmester stereo offered surround-sound modes, and the front camera activated automatically when parking. The Energizing Comfort Package added a touch of novelty with perfume and mood-setting features. AMG models included a Track Pace app for race track guidance.

The 2019 Volvo S60 came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It also included driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. The Advance Package added a head-up display, headlight washers, a 360-degree camera, and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet were not tested but were expected to perform similarly. Innovations included Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during a side collision, and crosswind countermeasures. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with 14 additional driver-assist features available as options.