2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, had evolved into its own model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and functional air intake. The WRX STI version took it further with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite its racy exterior, the non-STI version could be a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, however, was considered somewhat pedestrian for a new car in 2021.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation introduced in 2017, featured a design shift towards fluid, curvier forms. By 2021, it had adopted a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear resembled the W212 with horizontal taillights. The E-Class was available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible forms, all maintaining a handsome and elegant appearance. The standing hood ornament was no longer available, replaced by a more popular Sport style with a large star emblem in the grille.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured symmetrical all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) that included Subaru’s SI-DRIVE with multiple drive modes. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split. The WRX STI variant boasted a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine with 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class saw a significant change with the introduction of electrified inline-six powertrains for the E450 model, featuring a 48-volt electrical system that provided extra power and torque. The E450's 3.0-liter I6 engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional boost from the electric starter-generator. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, resulting in 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The AMG E63 S, with a 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivered 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful variant. The E-Class offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with the AMG models providing impressive performance without sacrificing comfort.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and slanted hood. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The first-row seating provided plenty of head- and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for full-size adults on shorter trips. The WRX had 12 cubic feet of cargo space, which was modest compared to other compact sedans but comparable to other performance cars.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, making everyday tasks easier. The cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for four adults. 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 provided 35 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 64 cubic feet with the seats folded. The E-Class also included various convenience features, such as seat controls on the doors and separate climate controls.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced the MBUX infotainment system, which featured a touchscreen interface, natural voice processing, and online searches. The system included a live feed from the front camera with overlay arrows and street names, as well as various comfort features like massaging seats and seat kinetics. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless, the E-Class offered a wireless phone charger and standard 4G WiFi. The instrument cluster could display information in various customizable formats, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was one of the safest cars on the market, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS for the sedan. 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.