2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Toyota Camry

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 from earlier years. The E-Class received updates such as squinted headlights, an inverted trapezoid grille, and horizontal taillights, giving it a slightly edgier appearance. 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 woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber, complemented by advanced technology like dual 12-inch screens and a digital instrument panel. The interior was a blend of decadence and modernity, unmatched by competitors in its price range.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly the TRD model, turned heads with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint and sporty design elements. The Camry TRD featured an aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, and red accents, giving it a bold and aggressive look. While the Camry's design was polarizing, it was a departure from the traditionally conservative styling of previous models. Inside, the Camry TRD offered a driver-oriented center console and an unusual dashboard layout. However, some interior elements, like the red gauge illumination and embroidery, were considered tacky. Despite these quirks, the Camry TRD provided a sporty driving experience with a low-slung driving position and comfortable front seats, although rear-seat amenities were limited.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrains, with the E450 model adopting an electrified inline-six engine. This hybrid system, featuring a 48-volt electrical system, provided additional power and 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, with overboost capabilities. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, offering brisk acceleration and a refined driving experience. The AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine, boasted 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a high-performance variant. Despite its power, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, thanks to its variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased all-wheel drive.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the Camry TRD offered a sporty driving experience with paddle shifters and a Sport mode. The TRD model featured track-tuned driving dynamics, with enhanced torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension components, and larger brakes. The Camry TRD's performance was impressive for its price, providing a solid and planted feel on winding roads. However, the lack of all-wheel drive limited its traction capabilities. Despite this, the Camry TRD offered a compliant ride and excellent brake modulation, making it a fun and engaging car to drive.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for four adults. The seats were supportive, and the interior offered various configurations, including a wagon with a stowable rear-facing jump seat. The sedan provided 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the coupe and convertible had slightly less. The E-Class's infotainment system, with its dual screens and touchpad controls, required some learning but offered a user-friendly experience. However, some features, like rear USB ports and heated rear seats, were missing in certain models.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, while not the roomiest midsize sedan, accommodated two adults comfortably in the back seat. The TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a folding rear seatback, limiting cargo flexibility. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors. However, the Camry TRD compensated with generous in-cabin storage, including a large center armrest bin. The front seats, with power height adjustment, provided a comfortable driving position, and the car's low-slung design contributed to a sporty feel.

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, massaging seats, and seat kinetics. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless, the E-Class offered a range of connected services and optional driving assists. The instrument cluster allowed for customizable displays, providing a modern and engaging experience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. An optional 9-inch display with a JBL premium audio system was available, providing decent sound quality. The Camry TRD lacked dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition technology, but users could rely on smartphone integration for navigation. The TRD model did not offer advanced features like a head-up display or surround-view monitoring, available on other Camry models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, including Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation, and crosswind assistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assist and collision avoidance features. The Camry TRD included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. While some lane-keeping assist features could be overly insistent, the Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.