2021 Subaru Legacy 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 critics felt it was overly streamlined, the design maintained a recognizable resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class, fitting well within the Mercedes-Benz 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 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 were visually appealing across various models, from the Luxury model's higher-riding suspension on 17-inch wheels to the sportier versions with 20-inch wheels and ground effects.

Inside, the E-Class cabriolet stood out with its contrasting soft top and sumptuous interior. The multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood created a luxurious environment. Two feet of high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by four circular air vents and a row of knurled silver toggles for climate control. The ambient lighting, available in 64 colors with animations, added to the car's appeal. Features like heated armrests, massaging seats, and striking colors made the E-Class a place for solitude and comfort. Even the base model, with leatherette and standard seats, felt a cut above other cars in its segment.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, often overlooked in the midsize-sedan market, competed with popular models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Available in six trim levels—Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT—the Legacy offered a range of features and equipment add-ons. The current-generation Legacy, introduced in 2020, carried over much of the body and mechanics of the Subaru Outback wagon into a sedan form. For 2021, Subaru added standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist.

While the Legacy's design wasn't particularly stylish, it stayed true to Subaru's branding and buyer preferences for safety and assurance. The car featured high-gloss stainless steel side-window and shoulder-line moldings, adding a touch of flash. Seventeen-inch steel wheels were standard, with options for 17-inch alloy or 18-inch black- or machine-finished wheels. Power-folding outside mirrors, a power moonroof, and an All-Weather Package were available. The Legacy also had roof mounting points for Subaru genuine-accessory crossbars, making it easy to add cargo baskets or athletic equipment.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of engines, starting with the E350's 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which produced 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 previous models. While the E350 was quick off the line, its performance above 40 mph was less impressive, making passing maneuvers challenging. For those seeking more power, the E450's 3.0-liter V6 with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque was a better option, offering effortless everyday performance.

For performance enthusiasts, the AMG E53 and AMG E63 S models provided even more power. The AMG E53 featured a hybrid setup with a 3.0-liter V6, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The AMG E63 S, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a true performance machine. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup, except for the E350 sedan and E450 coupe/cabriolet, where it was an optional upgrade. Fuel economy varied between 19 to 23 mpg city and 26 to 32 highway, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The base engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving, while the turbocharged engine was better suited for towing, climbing hills, and highway merging. The Legacy's standard all-wheel drive system set it apart from competitors, providing excellent traction and stability.

The Legacy's steering was well-balanced and easy to maneuver at low speeds, but it became challenging to keep the car centered on the highway without lane-centering technology activated. The 2.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the turbocharged engine earned 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. These fuel economy figures were impressive for a non-hybrid AWD sedan.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complex COMAND infotainment system, which could be unwieldy on the car's large screens. The lack of touchscreens was a significant drawback, making it challenging to adjust settings while driving. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality with features like seat and seat climate controls on the door panels and ample interior space. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The digital dash, when set up correctly, provided clear and high-resolution gauges.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The Legacy offered a range of seat adjustments, from manually adjustable front seats in the base model to 10-way power-adjustable driver's seats in higher trims. The five-seater provided ample back seat room for adults, with additional legroom from the 2020 redesign. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available. However, the Legacy's cargo space was limited, with 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced tech features, including a semi-automated driving system, V2X communication, and customizable digital displays. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Burmester stereo and multi-contour seats added to the car's luxury appeal. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, were more novelty than necessity, but overall, the E-Class was packed with useful tech.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy came with dual 7-inch infotainment and climate control displays in the base model, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch infotainment screen. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims added features like Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the screen's appearance was less sophisticated.

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 expected to perform similarly. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during a side collision, and rear side airbags.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Subaru EyeSight technology, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features like reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available. The Legacy's seat-belt monitoring system was sensitive and loud, but the EyeSight system was relatively easy to use.