2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa had evolved from its predecessor's "big car" styling, which featured oversized headlights and a full-size car aesthetic. The new model adopted a more refined and handsome look, drawing inspiration from its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima, without directly copying their design elements. Inside, the cabin was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream colors. The seats had a unique design, and the overall interior space was generous for a subcompact sedan, thanks to the Nissan V platform.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased a more fluid and curvier design, aligning with the "sensual purity" theme introduced in the 2017 model year. The exterior featured new bumpers, bigger air intakes, new exhaust tips, and new wheels, giving it a handsome and elegant appearance. The cabin was a luxurious space filled with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber, complemented by metal speaker grilles, elaborate stitching, and incredible ambient lighting. The dual 12-inch screens provided crisp detail and brilliant color, making the interior unmatched by any car at its price point.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was powered by a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT, standard on the SV and SR trims, managed power well and offered a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. The Versa's steering was responsive, and the car handled well, making it fun to drive despite its modest power. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT model achieving 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced electrified inline-six powertrains for the E450 model, featuring a 3.0-liter engine with a 48-volt electrical system. This setup provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief periods, making the engine more efficient and compliant with emissions laws. The E450 produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG E53 model added a second turbo, boosting output to 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG E63 S, with its 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivered a staggering 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy varied, with the E450 achieving 26 mpg combined and the AMG E53 and E63 models offering lower figures due to their performance-oriented nature.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained its predecessor's 15-cubic-foot trunk, one of the largest in its class. However, it lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less spacious for adult passengers. The front seats offered ample legroom, even for taller drivers, making it a suitable personal commuter car.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provided a spacious cabin for four adults, with ample headroom and legroom. The sedan offered 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the coupe and convertible had 10 cubic feet or less with the roof down. The wagon variant featured a stowable rear-facing jump seat and up to 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded. The redesigned infotainment system and touchpads on the steering wheel made the E-Class more user-friendly, although mastering the dual screens required some learning.

The 2020 Nissan Versa came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The SV trim added the NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an upgraded instrument panel with a digital screen. This setup provided a range of functionalities, including safety alerts, Bluetooth streaming audio, and fuel-economy stats.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, which included a touchscreen interface, natural voice processing, and online searches. The system offered a live feed from the front camera with overlay arrows and street names, massaging seats, and seat kinetics functions. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless, the car included 4G WiFi and various connected services. Optional driving assists allowed for semi-autonomous driving, making the E-Class a technologically advanced vehicle.

The 2020 Nissan Versa added several standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Other safety features included a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was rated a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included rear side airbags and advanced driver-assist systems, making the E-Class one of the safest cars on the market.