2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, was a refined evolution from its predecessor, adopting a more fluid and curvaceous design reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models. This design philosophy, termed "sensual purity" by Mercedes' chief designer, Gorden Wagener, was evident in the car's elegant yet slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille. The rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights cutting into the trunk lid. The E-Class maintained its reputation as a handsome and elegant vehicle, available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or convertible forms. However, the standing hood ornament, a classic Mercedes feature, was no longer available, replaced by a large star emblem in the grille, which some found gaudy unless on the AMG models where it matched the car's performance. Inside, the E-Class was a showcase of luxury, with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber adorning the cabin. The interior was a blend of decadent materials and modern technology, featuring two 12-inch screens with crisp detail and a digital display replacing analog gauges. The steering wheel was redesigned with touch-sensitive controls, adding to the car's lavish and modern feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold and distinctive design, especially with the N Line treatment. The Sonata's broad grille and tapered tail made it instantly recognizable, while the N Line's larger air intakes and gloss black accents enhanced its sporty appeal. The car's profile was marked by bold 19-inch wheels and a subtle gloss black lip spoiler at the rear. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, and aluminum pedal covers, creating a sporty yet comfortable environment. The panoramic sunroof added a sense of spaciousness, while the interior materials were a step above the standard Sonata. Despite its sporty nature, the Sonata N Line managed to balance comfort and performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive and engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes under the hood, particularly with the E450 model, which transitioned to an electrified inline-six powertrain. This hybrid system, featuring a 48-volt electrical system, provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief moments, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The E450's 3.0-liter engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering a smooth and quiet driving experience. The base E350, with its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, delivered adequate performance for everyday driving but lacked the power expected of a luxury vehicle. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, boosting output to 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, providing brisk acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. The AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivered an impressive 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a true performance machine. Despite its power, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, thanks to its variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased all-wheel drive. Fuel economy varied across models, with the E450 4Matic achieving 26 mpg combined, while the AMG models were less efficient.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided a dynamic driving experience. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. The sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels contributed to the car's agile handling and responsive steering. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Sonata N Line minimized understeer, thanks to its summer performance tires and well-tuned suspension. The car's ride quality remained comfortable, even during spirited driving, and it offered a quiet and refined cabin environment. The Sonata N Line's fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving conditions yielded slightly lower figures.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, making it more user-friendly than previous models. The cabin was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. The coupe and convertible models offered less rear-seat space, while the wagon provided additional cargo capacity with a stowable rear-facing jump seat. The sedan's trunk measured 13 cubic feet, while the two-door models offered 10 cubic feet. The E-Class included various convenience features, such as separate climate controls and seat adjustments on the doors, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with a balance of comfort and lateral support. The rear seats, while not as spacious as expected, provided adequate comfort with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The Sonata's trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was a convenient addition, though the lack of an interior handle for closing the trunk was a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Sonata N Line's interior was practical and well-designed, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen interface and natural voice processing. The system offered various features, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. Optional driving assists provided semi-autonomous capabilities, enhancing the car's safety and convenience. The digital instrument cluster offered customizable displays, allowing drivers to tailor the information to their preferences.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it lacked a WiFi hotspot. The Sonata N Line also offered Hyundai Digital Key, allowing Android users to unlock and start the car with their smartphone. The infotainment system included ambient noise tracks for relaxation, though the lack of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing issues were minor drawbacks.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was one of the safest cars available, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. The car featured advanced safety technologies, including Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during side collisions, and crosswind stabilization. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. The car also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Safe Exit Warning, enhancing passenger safety. While the N Line had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, the standard Sonata's high safety ratings and the comprehensive ADAS package provided confidence in its safety performance.