2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution that embraced the "sensual purity" theme, moving away from the sharper lines of its predecessor. This model featured a more fluid and curvier form, reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models. The E-Class had 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 elegant and reserved appearance, especially in its AMG variants, which boasted a more aggressive look with quad exhaust tips and larger wheels. Inside, the E-Class was a showcase of luxury, with rich materials like polished woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber adorning the cabin. The interior was a blend of modern technology and opulent design, featuring two 12-inch screens, a digital instrument panel, and a variety of new steering wheel designs, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern and sleek design into 2022. It resembled a smaller Altima with its low-slung, coupe-like appearance, marking a significant improvement over previous models. The Sentra was available in various bold colors, adding to its visual appeal. Inside, the Sentra's cabin was a highlight, offering a modern yet straightforward layout that balanced form and function. The controls were user-friendly, and the center dash featured a prominent touchscreen. The Sentra's interior was practical, with spacious seating and ample storage options, making it a comfortable choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced electrified inline-six powertrains, replacing the conventional V6 engines. The E450 model became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to enhance power 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 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offering a smooth and quiet driving experience. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with brisk acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. The AMG E63 S, with its 4.0-liter V8 engine, produced 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, making it a high-performance variant with advanced features like variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased all-wheel drive. Despite its power, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, with fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg combined for the E53 sedan and 18 mpg combined for the E63 sedan.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not exceptional, the engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving, with consistent low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions comfortably, making it suitable for commuting and road trips.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, making it more user-friendly. The cabin was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. The E-Class offered various body styles, including a sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon, each with its own unique features. 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 had less rear seat space, but the wagon included a stowable rear-facing jump seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which was competitive for its class. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, although the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items challenging. The Sentra's interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the center console provided ample storage options.

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 live camera feeds with overlay arrows for navigation, massaging seats, and seat kinetics. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless, the E-Class included standard 4G WiFi and connected services. Optional driving assists allowed for limited autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The SV and SR trims offered a larger 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and dials for easy navigation. However, the graphics could benefit from an update, and the lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback compared to some competitors.

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. It featured advanced safety innovations, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during collisions. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional optional driver-assist features.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra also received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Optional features included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control, although the latter's braking could be abrupt.