2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, reminiscent of its predecessors, boasted a rounded, smooth body that echoed the design language of the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Despite its streamlined appearance, which some critics felt could use a few more edges, the E-Class maintained a respectable and recognizable presence. Available in various body styles, including sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, it catered to a conservative clientele. The sedan, with its traditional hood ornament and chrome grille, exuded classic Mercedes elegance, while the sport grille with a prominent emblem was more common. The LED lighting, from the twin running lamps to the tail lights, added a delicate touch, and the car's proportions were visually appealing across different models and wheel sizes.

Inside, the E-Class cabriolet particularly shone with its contrasting soft top and luxurious interior. The cabin, when specified with multi-tone leathers and polished wood, was a delight, featuring two feet of high-resolution digital screens stretching across the dash. Industrial elements like circular air vents and silver toggles complemented the modern touchpads and thumbpads. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors and animations, enhancing the serene atmosphere. Even the base model, with leatherette and standard seats, felt superior to its segment peers, offering features like heated armrests and massaging seats for a truly comfortable experience.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, marked a significant departure from its traditionally plain design, presenting a more appealing and upscale look. The new Sentra, resembling a scaled-down Altima, felt larger and more poised, with a lower and wider stance than its predecessor. The detailed sheet metal creases and V-shaped grille added a touch of elegance, while the optional LED headlights enhanced its mature appearance. The SV Premium Package and SR trim offered larger wheels and additional features, making the Sentra a visually attractive choice.

Inside, the Sentra's interior was a step up in class, with a flat-bottom leather steering wheel and leatherette dash that rivaled more expensive cars. The climate knobs and circular air vents added a touch of luxury, and the larger touchscreen and instrument panel screen were worthy upgrades. The SV Premium Package offered quilted tan leather seats and Infiniti-grade materials, making the Sentra's interior comparable to the classiest non-luxury compacts. Despite some hard plastics, the fit and finish were commendable, providing a comfortable and stylish environment.

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. The revised turbo design improved response, but the E350's performance above 40 mph was less impressive compared to some family sedans. The E450, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offering a more balanced and effortless driving experience. For those seeking more power, the AMG E53 and AMG E63 S models provided 429 and 603 horsepower, respectively, with advanced performance features like all-wheel drive and adaptive dampers. Fuel economy varied from 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, in contrast, focused on simplicity and efficiency. It featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While acceleration tapered off after 30 mph, the CVT provided smooth and responsive performance, mimicking gear changes of a conventional automatic. The Sentra's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, offering a comfortable and controlled driving experience. Fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined, making it an economical choice for daily driving.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and functional interior, though its COMAND infotainment system was complex and distracting. The non-touchscreen setup required multiple steps for basic functions, which could be cumbersome while driving. However, the E-Class excelled in comfort and practicality, with features like seat climate controls on the door panels and ample space in every dimension. The coupe's rear seat was usable, and the wagon offered a rear-facing jump seat for children. Clever storage solutions, like a net in the front passenger footwell, added to its practicality.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra provided a surprisingly spacious backseat, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, reducing fatigue on long drives. While side visibility was excellent, the rear window's design limited the view, and the rear-view mirror was less effective in night mode. The Sentra's controls were straightforward, with knobs for volume and tuning, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, with foldable seatbacks for added versatility.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was packed with advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system with features like lane change assist and obstacle avoidance. The Driver Assistance Package offered a comprehensive suite of safety and convenience features. The E-Class also included a V2X system for communication with other Mercedes models, customizable digital displays, and a Burmester stereo with surround-sound modes. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, added novelty, while the Track Pace app catered to performance enthusiasts.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, while lacking some advanced features like ProPilot and navigation, offered a solid set of standard technologies. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi were standard on the mid-level SV, along with dual-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control. The SV Premium Package added LED headlights and other upgrades, while a full suite of driver-assist features was standard across all trims, providing good value for the price.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received top safety ratings, with a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models, though untested, were expected to offer similar safety levels. Mercedes included innovative safety features like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during a collision. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to perform well. Nissan equipped the Sentra with a comprehensive set of safety features, including rear side airbags, knee airbags, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. A driver attention monitor and auto high beams were also standard, providing a high level of safety for a compact car.