2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The hybrid powertrain added a $1,600 premium, except for the Touring trim, where it represented a $460 savings. The Accord Hybrid was not available in Sport trim. The Accord's design was praised for its proportion, stance, style, and detailing, with minor front styling changes for 2021, including a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim received new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new paint color, Sonic Gray Pearl. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, featured a dark undertone that avoided the drab brightness of typical silver metallic paint. The new wheels looked great but were difficult to clean due to gloss black inserts.

The Accord's interior, regardless of color, looked remarkably upscale, with lower panels that didn't feel cheap and simulated matte-finish wood trim that added a classy touch. The controls were logically arranged and easy to use, with both a volume knob and a tuning knob for the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Outward visibility was excellent, and the driver could see plenty of the sculpted hood, making parking and maneuvering easier.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles. Sedans came with an E350 model designation, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all E-Class variants were available as an E450, powered by a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive available. Driving enthusiasts could opt for an AMG-tuned E-Class, with the AMG E53 model offering a more powerful version of the E450's engine.

The test vehicle, an AMG E53 Cabriolet, had a base price of $85,400, with options pushing the as-tested MSRP close to $110,000. The car featured a matte-blue paint finish, AMG styling, larger wheels, and a convertible top, making it look sensational. Inside, the high-end spec included bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather, exuding luxury.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system pairing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with torque available immediately and remaining constant up to 2,000 rpm. Honda estimated a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, with most trims returning 48 mpg in combined driving, while the Touring trim earned a 43-mpg rating due to its larger wheels and tires.

The powertrain control module determined the appropriate operational mode: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, or Engine Drive. Drivers could also select EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport mode to tailor drivetrain characteristics. For 2021, Honda refined the two-motor hybrid powertrain for improved throttle response and a more natural sound and feel during acceleration. The Accord Hybrid Touring averaged 42.8 mpg, matching the EPA's rating. The car's suspension was tuned for athletic handling and a compliant ride, with excellent brake-by-wire regenerative braking.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided robust throttle response across the rev range, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. An AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system delivered power to the pavement, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes altering the car's character.

The AMG E53 Cabriolet had an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car's dual personality allowed it to be a quiet cruiser or a performance machine, with the convertible top adding to its versatility. The E53 Cabriolet felt solid and sure-footed, with an amplified exhaust note enhancing the driving experience. The car's AWD system, heated wiper blades, and camera viewing angles made it suitable for winter driving.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid offered impressive interior space, competing as a midsize sedan but effectively a full-size sedan. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and enormous back seat provided ample room, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats in the Touring trim. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, hidden storage compartment, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's 16.7 cubic-foot trunk was the same size as other Accords and larger than any competitor in the segment, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seats and an Aircap system to reduce turbulence when the top was down. The car focused on driver and front passenger comfort, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, heated armrests, and the Airscarf neck-warming system. Sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats were available, with a triple-layer acoustic soft top for hot weather. The test car had multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, providing comfort on long drives. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, losing about half of that volume with the top dropped.

For 2021, Honda made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard on the base Accord Hybrid, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trim added wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers. Wireless smartphone charging was standard with EX trim and higher. EX-L trim included a premium sound system, while Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system worked well but required specific prompts for voice commands, with some limitations in finding locations.

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 included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. MBUX could be controlled via touchscreen, physical controls, digital voice assistant, or touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. The system was customizable but required acclimation to its broad menu structure and occasional confusion from the digital assistant in a convertible.

In 2020, the Honda Accord did not receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS due to its headlights. For 2021, Honda redesigned the LED headlights and made them standard, aiming for the Top Safety Pick+ rating. The Accord Hybrid included a standard rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system, with the Touring model gaining low-speed braking control. The Honda Sensing collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) was refined for smoother operation, with a button added to access the settings. However, the system remained somewhat intrusive, and the low-speed automatic braking needed recalibration.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were also standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for an impact and protecting ears from loud noises. Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were standard. The extra-cost Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, 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 package was effective, with impressive adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist.