2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, harkened back to the design of two generations prior with its rounded, smooth body. While some critics felt it could benefit from sharper edges, its resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class made it a recognizable member of the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, the E-Class catered to a conservative clientele. The sedan, with its hood ornament and chrome grille, epitomized Mercedes tradition, while most models featured a sport grille with a prominent emblem. The LED lighting was delicately designed, and the car's proportions were visually appealing across various configurations.

Inside, the E-Class cabriolet particularly shone with its contrasting soft top and luxurious interior. The multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and polished wood created a sumptuous environment. Two feet of high-resolution digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by industrial elements like circular air vents and silver toggles. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors and animations, enhancing the interior's ambiance. Even the base model, with leatherette and standard seats, felt superior to other cars in its segment.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, was praised for its design, which displayed a flair for proportion and style rarely seen in Hondas. Minor front styling changes included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim featured new 19-inch wheels and a new paint color, Sonic Gray Pearl. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, had a dark undertone that avoided the typical brightness of silver metallic paint. The interior, regardless of color, looked upscale with simulated matte-finish wood trim and polished metallic accents. The controls were logically arranged, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display was user-friendly. The Accord's cabin offered excellent outward visibility and a sculpted hood for easier maneuvering.

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, and the E350 held its gears longer, though it felt heavy and less agile at higher speeds. The E450, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, provided a more balanced and effortless driving experience. AMG models, like the E53 and E63 S, offered even more power and performance, with the E63 S boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy varied, with the E63 S rated at 16/23 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a generator/starter motor, and an electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with torque available immediately. The Accord Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and achieved 48 mpg in combined driving, except for the Touring trim, which earned a 43-mpg rating due to its larger wheels. The powertrain operated in three modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, with additional driver-selectable modes. Honda refined the powertrain for improved throttle response and a more natural sound. The Accord Hybrid Touring offered excellent handling and ride quality, with a brake-by-wire regenerative braking system providing good feel and response.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complex COMAND infotainment system, which could be unwieldy on the large screens. The lack of touchscreens was a drawback, and the system required multiple steps for various functions. However, the E-Class offered functional features like seat controls on the door panels and ample space in every dimension. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. The digital dash, when set up properly, provided clear and high-resolution gauges.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, offering a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a large back seat. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with wireless charging, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was a standout feature, offering 16.7 cubic feet of space, larger than any competitor in the segment. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats further enhanced utility.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system with features like lane change assistance and obstacle avoidance. The V2X system communicated with nearby Mercedes models about road conditions. The car offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, along with a Burmester stereo and multi-contour seats. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, were more novelty than necessity.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trim and higher offered wireless connectivity and quick-charge USB ports. The EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while the Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system required specific prompts for voice commands, which could be limiting.

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 models were not tested but were considered equally safe. The E-Class offered innovative safety features like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during a side collision. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating by redesigning its LED headlights. It included a standard rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system. The Touring model added low-speed braking control and front and rear automatic emergency braking. The Honda Sensing suite of ADAS was refined for smoother operation, though some features could be more transparent and less intrusive.