2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, featured a rounded, smooth body reminiscent of the E-Class from two generations prior. While some felt it was overly streamlined, its resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class made it a recognizable and respectable member of the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan, in particular, looked rich with a hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, though most models sported a large Mercedes emblem in the center. LED lighting added a delicate touch, and the car's proportions were visually appealing across various configurations.

The cabriolet version of the E-Class particularly benefited from the fluid, creaseless form, with a contrasting soft top revealing a luxurious interior. The E-Class delighted with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood accents. Two feet of high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by circular air vents and silver toggles for climate control. Ambient lighting in 64 colors added to the ambiance, and features like heated armrests and massaging seats enhanced comfort. Even the base model felt a cut above its competitors, offering a place of solitude and luxury.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was visually indistinguishable from other models in the Accord lineup, save for the “Hybrid” badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This subtle approach was a smart move by Honda, avoiding the odd design cues that often deter buyers from hybrid versions of mainstream vehicles. The Accord Hybrid maintained the same appealing look as the standard Accord, making it an attractive option for those who appreciated the current design.

Available in four trim levels—Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring—the Accord Hybrid offered a range of features and prices. Starting at $25,620, the hybrid powertrain was a $1,600 upgrade over the standard Accord in most trims, while the Hybrid Touring was actually cheaper than its non-hybrid counterpart. The Hybrid EX, priced at $29,520, was recommended for its comprehensive driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. The interior, especially with leather and simulated wood trim, provided an upscale feel, and the spacious backseat and trunk added to its practicality.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350, which replaced the E300. The E350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Despite the modest power increase from previous years, the E350 provided quicker response and held gears longer, though it felt underpowered at higher speeds. For those seeking more performance, the E450's 3.0-liter V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque was a better choice, offering effortless everyday performance.

For enthusiasts, the AMG models provided even more power and precision. The AMG E53 featured a hybrid setup with a 3.0-liter V6, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG E63 S boasted a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive was standard on most models, with performance-tuned AWD available on the AMG versions. Fuel economy varied, with EPA estimates ranging from 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 48 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it achieved 42.6 mpg in real-world conditions, with 44.1 mpg in city and suburban driving. The hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors, produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick off the line and responsive in Sport mode, though the eCVT transmission produced a noticeable drone under hard acceleration.

The Accord Hybrid's extra weight contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing its road-hugging feel. However, it lacked grace on undulating pavement, revealing some limitations in its suspension tuning. Overall, the Accord Hybrid provided a blend of ride comfort, handling, and driver engagement, making it an enjoyable car to drive, especially given its impressive fuel economy.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complex COMAND infotainment system, which could be unwieldy on its large, non-touchscreen displays. The system required multiple steps for various functions, making it potentially distracting while driving. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality with features like seat and climate controls on the door panels, ample interior space, and clear digital gauges. The coupe offered a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. Practical touches like a net for water bottles and concealed cupholders added to its appeal.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid maintained the same spacious interior and trunk as the standard Accord, making it a practical family sedan. The backseat offered exceptional thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and available USB charging ports. However, front-seat track travel was limited, potentially causing discomfort for taller drivers. The seats were comfortable, with heating and ventilation available in the Touring trim. The 16.7-cubic-foot trunk was larger than competitors, providing ample storage space. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added versatility, though a hatchback design would have been even more practical.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system with features like lane change assist, obstacle avoidance, and adaptive cruise control. The V2X system communicated with nearby Mercedes models about road hazards, and the digital dash offered customizable displays. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while optional features like multi-contour seats and a Burmester stereo enhanced the driving experience. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, were more novelty than necessity, but overall, the E-Class was packed with useful tech.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, especially in EX trim or higher, featured a user-friendly Display Audio infotainment system with clear graphics and intuitive controls. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and quick-charge USB ports. Higher trims added premium sound, navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, and a WiFi hotspot. HondaLink services offered features like in-car delivery of Amazon packages, remote locking and unlocking, and emergency calling. The Touring trim also included a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

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

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The system was smoother and more refined than previous versions, particularly in adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. The Accord Hybrid received top ratings from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA.