2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class drew significant inspiration from its 2017 redesign, reigniting elements from the E-Class of two generations prior. The car exhibited a rounded, smooth body emphasized by a streamlined design that some critics believed could benefit from more pronounced edges. Mercedes-Benz addressed this in the 2021 facelift. The 2020 E-Class retained visual continuity within the Mercedes family, mirroring the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or convertible, the E-Class catered to conservative tastes, with standout features like the traditional hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille. Luxurious materials and a smooth, creaseless design defined the 2020 model, especially evident in the cabriolet trim with its contrast-enhancing soft top. An opulent interior featured multi-tone leathers, aluminum, deep-polished wood, and two extensive high-res digital screens spanning the dashboard. Circular air vents, knurled silver toggles, and ambient lighting in 64 colors added to the refined ambiance. Despite lacking cutting-edge infotainment, the 2020 E-Class provided a solitary retreat through heated armrests, massaging seats, and plush textures, even in the entry-level models. In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class evolved with subtle yet impactful updates enhancing its sophistication. The W213-generation's curvy form received a tweak, introducing edgier front elements like squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear adopted horizontal taillights reminiscent of earlier designs. This facelift introduced new bumpers with larger air intakes, exhaust tips, and wheels, all contributing to a fresh yet elegant aesthetic. Classic elements like the standing hood ornament on sedans and wagons were omitted. Although the Sport package with a giant Mercedes emblem in the grille gained popularity, some considered it gaudy, particularly the backlit version. Regardless, the AMG models with vertical grille slats carried off the bold look suitably. Despite these changes, the Mercedes E-Class maintained its reputation as a reserved, elegant vehicle with vast material excellence inside. Rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber, along with intricate detailing, created an unmatched cabin environment. The updated steering wheels and standard digital display pushed the 2021 model's interior beyond expectations.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced the E350 model, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, delivered improved response and prolonged gear holding. Although quieter and fairly responsive in Comfort mode, the momentum faded above 40 mph, making some passing maneuvers challenging. The E350's high weight and mediocre 4-cylinder performance warranted consideration for the more robust E450 model. The E450 boasted a 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque through a twin-turbo setup, offering effortless performance befitting the luxurious E-Class. AMG models like the E53 incorporated an electric motor-generator, achieving 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque and showcasing performance-oriented features like adaptive dampers and barking exhausts. The AMG E63 S was the pinnacle, delivering 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, equipped with AWD and a drift mode. For 2021, Mercedes substituted conventional V6 engines with electrified inline-six powertrains in high-volume models like the E450. This hybrid system integrated a 48-volt electric starter-generator with a 3.0-liter engine generating 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offering smooth performance and improved emissions compliance. The base E350’s upgraded 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine remained, but it continued to underwhelm in terms of performance. Conversely, the AMG E53’s addition of a second turbo charger powered by the 48-volt battery enhanced acceleration without compromising the driving experience, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG E63 S stood apart, incorporating a beltless 4.0-liter V8 paired with a 48-volt system, achieving high performance with 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though lagging behind newer models in infotainment, featured a 12.3-inch screen system managed by a non-touch interface, COMAND, which felt outdated and overly complex. Operating it required navigating several menus, a distraction while driving. However, practical features like seat controls on the doors, ample passenger and cargo space, and useful sightlines made the E-Class feel functionally sound. Standout aspects included a spacious coupe rear seat and the sedan's rear-facing jump seat, a nostalgic yet handy feature for families. Practical elements like a footwell net for smaller items highlighted its user-friendly design. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class refined these aspects with an updated MBUX system, now touch-enabled, simplifying everyday tasks. Although the redesigned steering wheel touchpads were less intuitive, the user experience improved overall. Essential controls like climate settings and seat adjustments on the doors remained, underscoring Mercedes' commitment to usability. Despite some features like rear USB ports and heated rear seats missing in higher trims, the interior continued to provide ample space and support. Cargo capacities varied: the sedan offered 13 cubic feet, while the coupe provided around 10 cubic feet, with less space in the convertible variant when the top was down. The 2021 model introduced the E450 All-Terrain wagon with 35 cubic feet of cargo space, expandably up to 64 cubic feet, optimized for more rugged usage.

In 2020, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured an impressive array of advanced technologies, despite an initially daunting interface. Semi-automated driving aids, including lane-changing assistance and adaptive cruise control, were part of a comprehensive Driver Assistance Package. The car's V2X system communicated with other Mercedes vehicles about road conditions, while the configurable digital dash and surround-sound Burmester stereo added depths of personalization and entertainment. By 2021, the improved MBUX system, known for its touch interface and voice control, marked a significant leap forward. Features like natural voice commands, live camera feeds with directional overlays, and gesture controls enhanced user experience. Although the odoriferous Energizing Comfort Package persisted, more practical features like massaging seats with kinetic adjustments and a more streamlined interface defined the new tech setup. Options included enhanced driver assistance systems capable of semi-autonomous actions, though the system didn't update over-the-air and wireless smartphone integration remained absent. However, conveniences like a wireless charging pad and 4G WiFi standardization demonstrated Mercedes' tech-forward approach. The ability to customize the digital display offered a uniquely futuristic appeal unmatched by rivals.

The 2020 E-Class sedan and wagon earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, achieving the highest scores in all crash tests, affirming its status as one of the safest vehicles. IIHS also awarded it the Top Safety Pick+ designation. Innovative features like Pre-Safe Sound and seat bolsters that inflated during side collisions underscored its advanced safety engineering. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and driver-attention monitoring, with an extensive array of optional driver-assist features enhancing overall safety. By 2021, the E-Class sedan and wagon continued to achieve top safety ratings, though the driver’s side received a four-star rating in the frontal crash test. The coupe and cabriolet retained similar safety innovations, maintaining stability and protection. Standard safety features remained robust, with forward automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitors, and blind-spot monitoring. Some optional features, unique to Mercedes, set a benchmark for industry safety advancements.