2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation, continued to captivate buyers with its array of variants, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite the subtle differences among models, the Charger maintained a consistent design, appealing to the "brotherhood of muscle" with its widebody options and distinctive Hellcat badging. The car's exterior featured a range of tire, wheel, brake, and color options, with halogen projector headlights and optional high-intensity discharge lights. However, the design had remained largely unchanged for a decade, making it difficult for casual observers to determine the model's age.

Inside, the Charger had seen updates over the years, but it still lacked in comfort and convenience features. The fit and finish had improved, yet the gauge cluster and climate controls revealed the car's age. The interior was characterized by hard plastic and rubberized surfaces, with cloth seats standard on most trims and Nappa leather on higher trims. While the Charger offered power-adjustable seats and optional heated and ventilated seats, the overall interior quality fell short of expectations for models priced over $70,000.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, offered a variety of options unmatched by other models. The E350 sedan featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. Driving enthusiasts could opt for the AMG-tuned E53 model, which provided a more powerful version of the E450's engine.

In our review, the AMG E53 Cabriolet stood out with its luxurious features and high price tag. The car's design exuded modern Mercedes purity, with AMG styling, intricate wheels, and a matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the high-end spec included bright digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather, creating an atmosphere of pure luxury. The E53 Cabriolet seamlessly transitioned from a quiet cruiser to a performance machine, thanks to its AMG Dynamic Select driving modes and AMG-tuned air suspension.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of engines to suit different preferences. The SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models were powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The Charger R/T featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, providing a 1,000-pound towing capacity. The Charger Scat Pack models came with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

The SRT Hellcat models took performance to the next level. The Charger SRT Hellcat had a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, generating 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat Redeye boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V8, delivering an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Redeye managed to be both manageable and responsive, though it was the least fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 12 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power was available throughout the rev range, ensuring a robust response to throttle input. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system provided smooth power delivery, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes to alter the car's character.

The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, enhanced its driving dynamics. The car's dual personality allowed it to transition from a quiet cruiser to a performance machine, with the AMG Dynamic Select transforming its behavior. The E53 Cabriolet felt solid and sure-footed, even on twisty roads, and its amplified exhaust note added to the driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced speed and power with family-friendly accommodations. The spacious back seat and comfortable interior made it a practical choice for families. The instrument cluster varied by model, with different speedometer options based on the car's top speed. The steering wheel provided easy access to in-car functions, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model.

The Charger offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, expanding the trunk's storage space. While the cargo space was average compared to other large cars, the Charger provided ample room for everyday use.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet, a true four-passenger convertible, prioritized driver and front passenger comfort. The Aircap system reduced turbulence with the top down, and heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system were standard. The test car also featured rapid-heating front seats, heated armrests, and sun-reflective leather for hot weather.

The E53 Cabriolet's triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet, and the multi-contour front seats with massage and Air Balance interior fragrance system added to the comfort. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, but this volume was halved with the top down, comparable to a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including push-button start, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a six-speaker audio system, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, keyless entry, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Available upgrades included a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, premium audio systems, HD Radio, navigation, and a WiFi hot spot.

The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly but had some functions buried in menus. The latest version of Uconnect, available in other Dodge models, addressed these issues with a larger screen.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The system was complex yet intuitive, with swipe and scroll functions on the steering wheel buttons. MBUX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available.

The MBUX system allowed interaction through the touchscreen, physical controls, digital voice assistant, and touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. Customization options added to its ease of use, though the digital assistant could be accidentally activated by saying "Mercedes."

The 2021 Dodge Charger had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received mostly "Good" ratings, with "Poor" marks for headlights. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Charger a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear park assist, rain brake support, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlights were available on some models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for a collision and protecting ears from loud noises.

Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were also standard. The extra-cost Driver Assistance Package included adaptive cruise control, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus. The test car's adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist were particularly impressive.