2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation introduced in 2017, showcased a departure from the sharper, boxier angles of its predecessor to adopt the fluid, curvier forms seen in the 2014 S-Class and 2015 C-Class. This design theme, termed "sensual purity" by Mercedes' chief designer Gorden Wagener, aimed to blend elegance with modernity. The 2021 model featured subtle yet significant updates, including squinted headlights, an inverted trapezoid grille, and horizontal taillights reminiscent of the W212. New bumpers with larger air intakes, updated exhaust tips, and fresh wheel designs added to its handsome and elegant appearance, whether as a sedan, wagon, coupe, or convertible.

Inside, the 2021 E-Class was a showcase of luxury and style. The cabin was adorned with rich woods, polished or matte finishes, and inlaid painted lines. Aluminum and carbon fiber elements swept across the curved dash, around the circular air vents, and along the intricate doors. The interior featured metal speaker grilles, elaborate stitching, and incredible ambient lighting that interacted with the car's climate and mood settings. The 2021 model also introduced a standard digital display for the instrument panel, replacing analog gauges, and new steering wheels with touch-sensitive controls, making the E-Class feel ahead of its time.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continued to offer a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The E350 sedan came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants featured 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. The AMG E53 model, available in all body styles except the All-Terrain wagon, used a more powerful version of the E450's engine.

In 2022, the AMG E53 Cabriolet was evaluated, featuring a base price of $85,400 and an as-tested MSRP nearing $110,000 with options. The car's design purity was evident, especially with the AMG styling, larger wheels, convertible top, and matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the high-end spec included bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and luxurious leather, making it a true embodiment of luxury.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class saw a significant change with the switch from conventional V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains for the E450 model. The new hybrid system, introduced in the AMG E53 for the 2019 model year, featured a 48-volt electrical system and an electric starter-generator. This setup provided extra power and torque for brief periods, 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 produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with additional overboost from the battery. 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 luxury car.

The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, technically a supercharger, powered by the 48-volt battery. This setup provided 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with brisk acceleration and a healthy exhaust note. The AMG E63 S, with a hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine, produced 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a high-performance variant with features like variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased all-wheel drive. Fuel economy for the AMG models was lower, with the E53 sedan rated at 25 mpg combined and the E63 sedan at 18 mpg combined. The E450 4Matic and E350 4Matic sedans offered better fuel economy, with 26 mpg and 25 mpg combined, respectively.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models continued to use the 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This engine produced 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, ensuring robust throttle response across a wide rev range. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable all-wheel drive system provided excellent power delivery. The E53 Cabriolet featured AMG-tuned air suspension and an AMG performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires.

The duality of the AMG E53's personality was evident in the convertible, offering a quiet and comfortable ride for leisurely drives and a firm, responsive performance for spirited driving. The car's AWD system, heated wiper blades, and multiple camera viewing angles made it suitable for various weather conditions. The E53 Cabriolet's acceleration time was quoted at 4.4 seconds to 60 mph, showcasing its impressive performance capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen, making everyday tasks easier and faster. 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 E53 model lacked rear USB ports, separate climate zones, soft-close doors, and heated rear seats, despite its high price. The coupe's rear seats were comfortable, while the convertible's rear seats were less so due to the folding soft top. The wagon offered more cargo space, with 35 cubic feet or 64 with all seats folded. The sedan had 13 cubic feet of trunk space, and the two-door models had 10 cubic feet or less with the roof down.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seats and an Aircap system to reduce turbulence. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, and heated armrests. The Airscarf neck-warming system was also standard. For hot weather, sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats were available. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped keep the cabin cool and quiet. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, providing excellent comfort on long drives. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, and about half of that with the top down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen interface that was better organized and easier to use. The system included natural voice processing, online searches, and a live feed from the front camera with overlay arrows and street names. Optional features included massaging seats, seat kinetics, and a wireless phone charger. The instrument cluster offered various display options, from traditional analog gauges to bar graphs and zany colors. The system did not update over-the-air, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continued to excel in digital instrumentation and infotainment with the MBUX system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation, offering full-color, high-resolution displays. The system could be interacted with using the touchscreen, physical controls, digital voice assistant, or touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. The MBUX system 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 system's complexity required acclimation, but it was user-friendly and customizable.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was one of the safest cars on sale, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for the sedan and wagon. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were considered equally safe. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included rear side airbags and advanced driver-assist systems.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features such as 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 Driver Assistance Package included adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, and more.