2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat bore a striking resemblance to its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. Its exterior design borrowed heavily from the Jetta, creating a familiar yet refreshed look. Inside, the Passat retained the architectural T-square dashboard of the previous model, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The interior was dominated by cheap, glossy plastic, which, while easy to clean, lacked the sophistication of more modern designs. The Passat was designed for ease of use, with simple controls and a straightforward driving experience. It was available in four trims, with the base Passat S starting at $22,995 and the top-of-the-line SEL at $31,095. The sporty R-Line trim, priced at $28,645, added a touch of flair with its Aurora Red paint and remote engine start.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation introduced in 2017, featured a more fluid and curvaceous design compared to its predecessor. The 2021 model received updates such as squinted headlights, an inverted trapezoid grille, and horizontal taillights. The E-Class was available in various body styles, including sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible, each exuding elegance and sophistication. The interior was a showcase of luxurious materials, with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber accents. The cabin featured two 12-inch screens with crisp detail and brilliant color, and the instrument panel transitioned to a standard digital display. The E-Class offered a range of new steering wheels with touch-sensitive controls, adding to its modern and lavish feel.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly powerful, it didn't require premium gas, making it more economical. The 6-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, offering a simple and straightforward driving experience. The Passat's engine provided adequate acceleration, and the transmission's Sport mode improved performance. During testing, the Passat averaged 26 mpg, just shy of the EPA's 27-mpg rating. The steering was light and precise, and the brakes were responsive, though the suspension tuning left something to be desired. The Passat's ride was stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over undulations, but it conveyed important road surface information.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class saw significant changes in its powertrains, with the E450 model transitioning to an electrified inline-six engine. This hybrid system, introduced on the AMG E53 in 2019, featured a 48-volt electrical system that provided extra power and torque for brief periods. The E450's 3.0-liter I6 engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with additional overboost from the battery. The AMG E53 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. The E-Class offered a range of driving modes, from Comfort to Sport+, and featured advanced suspension systems for a balanced ride. Fuel economy varied, with the E53 sedan rated at 25 mpg combined and the E63 sedan at 18 mpg combined.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide, comfortable seats and ample room for five passengers. The car featured numerous storage bins and trays, as well as excellent outward visibility. Cloth upholstery was standard on the base model, while higher trims offered V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather seats. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, with a flat load floor for easy storage of large items. The car's size and utility made it a practical choice, with the only drawbacks being the lack of all-wheel drive and third-row seating.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, making everyday tasks easier and faster. The cabin was spacious and comfortable for four adults, with ample headroom and legroom. The E-Class offered various body styles, each with its own unique features. The sedan provided 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the wagon offered up to 64 cubic feet with the seats folded. The coupe and convertible had less trunk space, but the coupe's rear seats were still usable. The E-Class All-Terrain wagon added ground clearance and body cladding for a more rugged look. The interior was filled with luxurious materials and advanced technology, making it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked the latest infotainment and digital cockpit technologies found in other VW models. However, it still offered essential features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim included navigation and a premium Fender sound system. The infotainment system was simple and easy to use, with physical buttons and knobs for quick adjustments. The Passat also offered optional remote engine start and a parking steering-assist system on the SEL trim.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, which included a touchscreen interface, natural voice processing, and online searches. The system was better organized, with shortcut buttons for major functions and gesture controls for added convenience. The E-Class offered advanced features such as live camera feeds with overlay arrows, massaging seats, and seat kinetics. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless, the car included 4G WiFi and connected services. The instrument cluster could display various graphics, allowing for customization. The E-Class also offered optional driving assists, making it one of the most technologically advanced cars in its class.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The car also featured an automatic post-collision braking system to reduce the risk of secondary collisions. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received the top rating of Good in crash tests conducted by the IIHS.

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. The E-Class featured advanced safety innovations such as Pre-Safe Sound, side bolsters that inflate during a side collision, and crosswind assist. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The E-Class also offered 14 optional driver-assist features, making it a leader in automotive safety.