2020 Toyota Camry vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Toyota Camry had aimed to shake off its reputation of being a somewhat ordinary and outdated sedan, transforming into a more stylish and well-crafted vehicle. In the past, Camrys from the 1990s were known for their near-indestructibility and high-quality engineering, often sharing components with Lexus models. However, recent years saw the Camry being perceived as less sophisticated compared to its competitors. With the new generation, Toyota put a concerted effort into attention to detail, elevating the quality and aesthetics significantly.

The exterior design of the 2020 Camry was more expressive than ever before, featuring a bold front fascia and taut body lines that made it the sportiest Camry to date. Taking cues from BMW's previous models, the character line across the doors and the upturned kink of the C-pillar added a European touch. Offering 14 exterior color options, including a stylish black roof, this model aimed to be a fashion statement.

Inside, the Camry used high-quality materials in consonance with its sweeping, driver-focused dashboard design, giving even the base models a premium feel. The sporty TRD model featured red trim accents and bright red seatbelts reminiscent of those found in high-end sports cars like Porsche and Ferrari. Higher trim levels, outfitted with leather and wood, provided a near-Lexus level of luxury.

Contrasting the Camry, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continued with a traditional yet elegant design. Although new for 2017, the E-Class replicated the smooth, rounded body style of older models. This fluid, creaseless form was particularly appealing on the cabriolet, where a contrasting soft top opened to reveal a luxurious interior. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, the E-Class maintained a conservative yet rich appearance. The presence of a large Mercedes emblem on the sport grille and delicate LED lighting made every version visually appealing.

Inside, the E-Class showcased multi-tone leathers, sweeping aluminum intersections, and polished wood. An expansive two-foot-high-res digital screen stretched across the dash, accompanied by four circular air vents and a row of silver toggles. The 64-color ambient lighting added a touch of elegance, complementing the heated armrests and massaging seats. Even the base model exhibited refinement far above other cars in its segment.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered four powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive (FWD), the same engine with all-wheel drive (AWD), a FWD 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid option. The performance conversation primarily focused on the first three.

The 3.5-liter V6 produced 301 horsepower and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, imparting a sense of luxury. This engine made the Camry XLE feel like an affordable luxury vehicle, albeit not particularly exciting in the sporty TRD variant. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder generated 203 hp (206 in XSE trim) and was more engaging, particularly in the lighter front-wheel-drive models. AWD availability enhanced the Camry's handling and adaptability to various driving conditions, with a minimal impact on fuel efficiency. Front-drive Camrys offered 31 mpg combined fuel economy, which fell to 28 mpg with AWD and 26 mpg in the V6 models.

Conversely, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provided powertrains that brought varying degrees of performance finesse. The E350 upgraded from the E300 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque through a 9-speed automatic transmission. The revised turbo system ensured quicker responses, although the car’s weight hampered its high-speed acceleration, making the E450's 362 hp twin-turbo V6 a more balanced choice.

Two AMG models offered performance enthusiasts something to savor. The AMG E53 hybrid setup with a 429-hp V6 and the extreme AMG E63 S with a 603-hp twin-turbo V8 catered to those craving substantial power. All-wheel drive was standard across the range except on the E350 sedan and E450 coupe/cabriolet, where it was optional. Fuel economy ranged between 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the model.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was user-friendly and familiar, with the driver's controls logically placed. Despite some misleading design cues, front legroom and hip room increased from the previous generation. The rear seat and trunk, however, saw slight reductions, making the backseat tighter compared to rivals like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. The Camry's trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the smaller Honda Civic, though AWD versions preserved this capacity due to clever engineering adjustments.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in every dimension inside. While it persisted with the complicated COMAND system over the more intuitive MBUX infotainment setup, its well-crafted interior facilitated overall usability. The massive digital dash and configurable display options delivered clarity once set up properly. Practical features such as front passenger seat controls on the door panels and foldable rear seats added to the car's versatility. The coupe boasted usable rear seats, and the wagon included a unique rear-facing jump seat for children, a nostalgic yet functional element.

For the 2020 Toyota Camry, the technology updates included Apple CarPlay (added last year) and Android Auto. These made the Camry more user-friendly compared to Toyota’s standard infotainment system, which felt outdated and inferior to modern mapping software like Google Maps and Apple Maps. The infotainment system, however, was quick to respond and featured hard buttons for major functions, enhancing ergonomics. An upgrade from a 7-inch to an optional 8-inch touchscreen was available, alongside a pair of USB-A ports and optional Qi wireless charging. Higher trims offered advanced connectivity features, such as WiFi Connect and Remote Connect, which allowed smartphone-based car control.

The technological prowess of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was more complex but far superior in its implementation. The semi-automated driving system covered an extensive list of features, from lane-changing to curve adaptation. A V2X system enabled communication with nearby vehicles for hazard alerts. The dashboard offered numerous customization options, while tech features like multi-contour seats, a Burmester surround-sound system, and automatic front camera activation added to its appeal. Although some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, seemed overly indulgent, they typified Mercedes' penchant for blending practicality with luxury.

The 2020 Toyota Camry came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams. The Camry earned a five-star crash test rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and Bird’s Eye View camera for enhanced parking safety. However, a recall for leaking engine coolant potentially affected over 44,000 units with the 2.5-liter engine.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class also excelled in safety, achieving a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for the sedan and wagon. The coupe and cabriolet hadn't been tested but were considered equally safe. Mercedes advanced safety innovations like Pre-Safe Sound and adaptive side-seat bolsters provided superior crash protection. Mercedes' attention to crosswind stabilization and optional driver-assist features made it a benchmark for automotive safety.