2021 Chrysler 300 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, harkened back to the smooth, rounded body style of earlier generations. While some critics felt it was overly streamlined, the E-Class maintained a recognizable and respectable family resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan, in particular, looked especially rich with its hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, a nod to Mercedes tradition. LED lighting added a delicate touch, and the car's proportions remained visually appealing across various models.

The cabriolet version of the E-Class showcased the fluid, creaseless form best, with a contrasting soft top that revealed a sumptuous interior. The interior, when specified with multi-tone leathers and polished wood, was a delight. Two feet of high-resolution digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by industrial elements like circular air vents and knurled silver toggles. Ambient lighting in 64 colors added to the luxurious feel, and features like heated armrests and massaging seats made the E-Class a place of solitude. Even the base model, with leatherette and standard seats, felt a cut above its competitors.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its old-school "three-box design" from the 2014 facelift, giving it a basic yet classic profile. This design choice made the 300 instantly recognizable and reminiscent of a bygone era, without the retrofuturist influence seen in cars like the Audi TT or Volkswagen Beetle. From the base 300 trim to the high-end 300S, the 300's appearance was something to be proud of, whether rolling up to a valet or cruising down the street.

The grille and headlights had evolved over the years, with the 2021 model featuring bi-xenon halogen projector lamps and LED driving lamps on lower trims. Higher trims like the Touring L and 300S offered adaptive HID lamps. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch silver alloys on the base model to 20-inch Black Noise wheels on the 300S, providing a tough, no-nonsense appearance. The 300's interior quality rivaled cars with much higher price tags, offering cloth upholstery on the base model and Nappa leather on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard on top trims, with heated rear seats available as well.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of engines to suit different driving preferences. The E350, replacing the E300, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, provided quicker response and held gears longer than its predecessor. While the E350 was quick off the line, its performance above 40 mph left something to be desired, making passing maneuvers challenging.

For those seeking more power, the E450's 3.0-liter V6 with twin turbos delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offering a more balanced and effortless driving experience. The AMG models took performance to another level, with the AMG E53's hybrid setup producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and the AMG E63 S's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 churning out 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy varied across the lineup, with EPA estimates ranging from 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2021 Chrysler 300, while not designed for stoplight drags, offered solid performance with its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. The V6 produced 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the 300 Touring and Touring L trims, and 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque in the 300S. The 300S also offered an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque, the only V8 available in this class.

Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 300S. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as a $2,750 option on lower trims. The 300 provided a quiet, comfortable, and capable driving experience, especially in higher trims like the AWD Touring L. The V8-powered 300S offered a fun driving experience, with the Hemi engine delivering a satisfying launch.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complex COMAND infotainment system that could be unwieldy on its large screens. The lack of touchscreens was a significant drawback, making tasks like changing audio settings and inputting addresses a multi-step process. The system's complexity required familiarity with Mercedes models, which could be distracting and potentially dangerous while driving.

Despite this, the E-Class excelled in functionality, with seat and climate controls conveniently mounted on the door panels and ample space in every dimension. The digital dash, when set up properly, offered clear and high-resolution gauges. The coupe had a usable rear seat with its own window controls, and the wagon featured a rear-facing jump seat for small children. Practical touches like a net in the front passenger footwell and concealed cupholders added to the car's functionality.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 offered generous front and rear legroom, with 41.8 inches in the front seats and 40.1 inches in the back seats. This spaciousness rivaled entry-luxury sedans like the Lexus ES350 and Toyota Avalon. The 300 provided 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing competitors like the Genesis G70 and Lexus ES350. Trunk volume was also strong, with 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to accommodate four large suitcases.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system that could steer itself, change lanes, and sense obstacles. The Driver Assistance Package offered a comprehensive list of features, while the V2X system communicated with nearby Mercedes models about road hazards. The dash could be reconfigured in multiple designs, and the Burmester stereo provided surround-sound modes. Other features included multi-contour seats, a front camera, and the Energizing Comfort Package, which adjusted climate settings and lighting to match preset moods.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 retained its intuitive Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering excellent functionality and steering wheel-mounted controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup. The Popular Equipment Group added desirable features like a 506-watt amp, nine premium Alpine speakers, GPS navigation, and a dual-pane sunroof, enhancing the car's tech offerings.

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 considered equally safe. Innovations like Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during a side collision, and crosswind countermeasures highlighted Mercedes' commitment to safety. Standard features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Chrysler 300 received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but scored "Marginal" in small overlap tests and "Poor" for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 300 a four-star overall rating, with five stars for combined side barrier and side pole crash tests. Standard safety features included active head restraints, multiple airbags, traction and stability control, and hill start assist. Advanced safety features were available through packages, but only on higher trims, making them less accessible compared to competitors.