2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, had evolved from its predecessor's sharper, boxier angles to adopt the fluid, curvier forms seen in the 2014 S-Class and 2015 C-Class. This design philosophy, termed "sensual purity" by Mercedes' chief designer Gorden Wagener, aimed to create a smooth and elegant appearance. However, the 2021 model introduced a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear resembled the W212 with horizontal taillights cutting into the trunk lid. The new bumpers, exhaust tips, and wheels contributed to its handsome and elegant look, whether as a sedan, wagon, coupe, or convertible. The standing hood ornament on the sedans and wagons was discontinued, a change that marked the end of a classic Mercedes look.

Inside, the E-Class was a showcase of luxurious materials and exuberant style. Rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber adorned the cabin, sweeping across the curved dash, around the circular air vents, and along the intricate doors. The details were impressive, with metal speaker grilles, elaborate stitching, and incredible ambient lighting that interacted with the car's climate and mood settings. The black monolith on the dash revealed two 12-inch screens with crisp detail and brilliant color, and the instrument panel transitioned to a standard digital display. The new steering wheels, especially the AMG model with its touch-sensitive controls and multiple screens, added to the lavish and modern feel of the interior. Five years into its lifecycle, the E-Class's interior remained unmatched by any car at its price point.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing, featuring sharp creases and dramatic angles. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, aimed to give the Elantra a unique character. The car's styling was distinctive and appealing, especially in higher trims like the SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with prices ranging from $19,650 to $25,450. The Elantra also offered a hybrid powertrain option for the SEL and Limited trims, though Hyundai expected only 10% of buyers to choose it. The high-performance Elantra N, debuting early in 2021, promised serious power and Nurburgring-tuned handling, with an estimated price of less than $34,000.

Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with an angled passenger cornering grip. The higher the trim level, the nicer and higher-tech the cabin became. The Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray offered a modern and upscale look, with light gray seats, dashboard, and door panel trim contrasting against the black cabin. The gray color helped hide some of the cheaper plastic panels, and the gray stitched fabric door panel inserts added a Scandinavian touch. The Elantra SEL with the Premium Package had a black interior with leatherette door panel inserts, which felt drab in comparison. Overall, the Elantra's interior was modern and upscale, making it a pleasant place to be.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class saw a significant change with the switch from conventional V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains for the highest-volume models. The E450 became a hybrid, using a 48-volt electrical system to supplement the common 12-volt system. This setup provided extra power and torque for brief moments, allowed the engine to shut off more often, and replaced the starter motor, alternator, and accessory belt drive. The 3.0-liter inline-six engine, with one turbo instead of two, produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with additional power from the battery's overboost. The base E350's 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, revised for 2020, was adequate for everyday driving but lacked the performance expected of a $60,000 luxury car.

The AMG E53 added a second turbo, technically a supercharger, powered by the 48-volt battery, resulting in 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The AMG E63 S, with a hand-built 4.0-liter V8 and the same 48-volt system, delivered 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The E-Class's fuel economy varied, with the AMG models being less efficient. The E450 4Matic and E350 4Matic sedans returned 26 mpg combined and 25 mpg combined, respectively. The E-Class's performance was impressive, with the AMG models offering brisk acceleration and a healthy exhaust note, though the E-Class was not built for racing.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra SEL with 17-inch wheels returned 31.4 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, electric motor, and 1.32-kWh battery, produced 139 hp and used a six-speed DCT. The Limited Hybrid trim returned 42.2 mpg, below the EPA's 50 mpg estimate due to mountainous driving conditions.

The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine making 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offered a sporty driving experience with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, featured an electronic limited-slip differential, electronically controlled suspension, and 19-inch wheels. The Elantra N delivered an exhilarating driving experience, with impressive powertrain response, stout brakes, and laser-accurate steering.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen, making everyday tasks easier. The touchpads on the steering wheel were reshaped, and shortcut buttons for navigation, stereo, and other settings remained. The cabin was spacious for four adults, with ample headroom and legroom, supportive cushions, and knee cutouts on the seatbacks. The E-Class sedan offered 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the coupe and convertible had 10 cubic feet or less with the roof down. The wagon provided 35 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 64 cubic feet with the seats folded. The E450 All-Terrain wagon added ground clearance and plastic body cladding.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a roomy interior. The driver’s seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic. Heated front seats were standard, and the Limited Hybrid included ventilated front cushions. The rear seat offered best-in-class legroom, though the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support. The Elantra's trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release, though the grab handle inside the trunk was no longer available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a touchscreen interface, natural voice processing, and online searches. The system included a live feed from the front camera with overlay arrows and street names, massaging seats, and seat kinetics function. The instrument cluster offered customizable graphics, and the car included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wireless. Optional driving assists allowed for limited autonomous driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in SE, SEL, and N Line trims. The Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, under a single piece of glass. The Limited Hybrid included a dynamic natural voice recognition system and a Bose premium sound system. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for remote access and use of the vehicle via an Android-based smartphone.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the driver's side received a four-star rating in the frontal crash test. The 2020 E-Class sedan was rated a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were considered equally safe. The E-Class included standard forward automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with 14 optional driver-assist features.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured SmartSense, Hyundai’s collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning were standard. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist.