2021 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution that embraced "sensual purity," a concept introduced by Mercedes' chief designer, Gorden Wagener. This model moved away from the sharper angles of its predecessor, adopting a more fluid and curvier form reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class. The E-Class featured a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights. Despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament, the E-Class maintained its reputation as a handsome and elegant vehicle, available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible forms. Inside, the E-Class offered a luxurious cabin with rich materials, including polished woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber, complemented by advanced technology like dual 12-inch screens and a digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger retained its iconic muscle car aesthetic, with a design that had remained largely unchanged for a decade. This consistency allowed the Charger to maintain its "brotherhood of muscle" appeal, with subtle differentiations between its numerous variants, such as the SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack, and the high-performance SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye. The Charger offered both regular and widebody formats, with the latter providing a more athletic stance. Despite its dated interior technology, the Charger provided a spacious cabin with a functional design, making it a practical choice for families. The model's utilitarian approach was evident in its use of hard plastics and rubberized surfaces, though higher trims offered Nappa leather seats and additional comfort features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain lineup, notably transitioning from conventional V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains for its high-volume models. The E450 became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to enhance performance and efficiency. This system provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief moments, allowing the engine to shut off more frequently to save fuel. The E450's 3.0-liter inline-six engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with the AMG E53 variant boosting output to 429 hp and 384 lb-ft thanks to a second turbocharger. The AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivered a staggering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a formidable performer. Despite its power, the E-Class maintained a balance between performance and comfort, with features like variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engine options across its lineup. The base models, including the SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing up to 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T variant upgraded to a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, delivering 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye took performance to the extreme, with the latter's supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V8 generating 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its impressive power, the Charger maintained a connected driving experience, with configurable drive modes and Brembo brakes enhancing its performance capabilities. However, the Hellcat Redeye's fuel efficiency was notably low, with an EPA-estimated 15 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and luxurious cabin, accommodating four adults comfortably. The sedan provided 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the wagon offered up to 64 cubic feet with seats folded. The coupe and convertible variants had less rear seat space, with the latter sacrificing some comfort for its elegant folding soft top. The E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, though mastering its dual screens required some learning. Despite its high price, the E-Class lacked certain features like rear USB ports and heated rear seats in some trims.

The 2021 Dodge Charger functioned well as a family car, with a spacious back seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional cargo space. The interior design was straightforward, with easy-to-read instrument clusters varying by model. The steering wheel provided convenient access to in-car functions, though paddle shifters could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving. The Charger's trunk space was average for its class, but its practicality and comfort made it a suitable choice for families seeking a balance between performance and everyday usability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with improved organization and natural voice processing. The system included features like live camera feeds with overlay arrows for navigation and optional extras like massaging seats and seat kinetics. However, the system lacked over-the-air updates, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless. The E-Class offered a range of driver-assist features, with optional autonomous driving capabilities for limited times.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with a basic set of standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims offered additional features like a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly, though some functions were buried in menus. The Charger's technology offerings were less advanced compared to the E-Class, but they provided essential connectivity and convenience features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was highly rated for safety, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS for the sedan and wagon. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during side collisions. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2020 model earning mostly "Good" ratings from the IIHS. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available on higher trims, though the Charger's safety ratings were not as high as the E-Class.