2021 Subaru WRX vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, harkened back to the E-Class from two generations prior with its rounded, smooth body. While some critics felt it was overly streamlined, the 2021 facelift addressed this by adding more edges. Its resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class made it a recognizable and respectable member of the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers. The sedan, with its hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, epitomized Mercedes tradition, while most models featured a sport grille with a large central emblem. LED lighting added a delicate touch, and the car's proportions, whether on 17-inch wheels or 20s with ground effects, always hit a visual sweet spot.

The cabriolet version particularly benefited from the fluid, creaseless form, with a contrasting soft top revealing a sumptuous interior. The E-Class delighted with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood. Two feet of high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by four circular air vents and knurled silver toggles for climate control. Ambient lighting in 64 colors added to the luxurious feel. Even the base model, with leatherette and standard seats, felt a cut above its competitors.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, often criticized for its adolescent aesthetic, looked tame compared to the racier WRX STI. The WRX had a wedge-like front end and a very short trunk lid, giving it an appearance of speed even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop enhanced this look. Inside, the WRX resembled other Subaru compacts from the past decade. Introduced in 2015, its interior felt dated compared to the fresher VW GTI. The cockpit was function-first, sacrificing fit and finish, with plenty of hard plastics contributing to its immature reputation.

The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. The base model featured 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, manual seats, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated seats, and a larger 7-inch infotainment screen. The range-topping Limited trim, which we tested, included leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED fog lights, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights. An options package added navigation, a premium stereo, and additional driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of engines. The E350, replacing the E300, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The revised turbo design provided quicker response, but the car's heavy weight made passing maneuvers challenging. The E450, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, offered a more balanced and powerful driving experience. AMG models, like the E53 and E63 S, provided even more power, with the E63 S boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied from 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The WRX outperformed rivals like the Civic Si and VW GTI in terms of power, but mastering the revs was essential to get the most out of the engine. The CVT, while not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively. The manual transmission, however, felt vague and required frequent shifting. The WRX's Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring helped it corner precisely, but the ride was stiffer compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complicated COMAND infotainment system on its large, non-touchscreens. The system required multiple steps to perform simple tasks, making it highly distracting. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality with seat controls on the door panels, ample space, and great sightlines. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. The interior was luxurious, with high-res digital screens and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it outperformed the Civic Si coupe in cargo capacity, it fell short compared to the GTI. The WRX's interior felt dated, with limited space for large water bottles and a center console that could obstruct shifting. However, it provided a comfortable driving position and decent rear seat space, accommodating four adults with ease.

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, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features like multi-contour seats, a Burmester stereo, and the Energizing Comfort Package added to the luxury experience. AMG models included a Track Pace app for track guidance.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo. Despite updates, the WRX's tech felt dated compared to competitors.

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 were not tested but featured advanced safety innovations like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during a crash. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. The EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.