2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, adorned with the Nissan logo. Its overall shape was attractive, featuring a sloping "coupe-like" roofline that contributed to a sleek, aerodynamic profile. The body design leaned more towards folds than curves, giving it a taut and trim essence. However, the Altima's stance appeared slightly ungainly due to the extended overhangs and short dash-to-axle distance, which lent it a somewhat old-fashioned look. Despite this, modern features like standard LED lighting and a range of wheel options kept its appearance contemporary. The Altima boasted exceptional fit and finish, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details, available in nine exterior colors with some premium options.

Inside, the Altima's dashboard was uncluttered and intelligently laid out, featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen display positioned for optimal safety and convenience. The instrument panel was designed to minimize glare, enhancing readability. While the base model felt somewhat stripped-down, higher trim levels offered improved interior materials, including stitching on the dash and seats, providing a better tactile experience. The Altima's interior was a testament to the adage of getting what you pay for, with enhancements in comfort and aesthetics as you moved up the trim levels.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, particularly the AMG E53 Cabriolet, was a testament to luxury and performance. Available in various body styles, the E-Class offered a range of engine options, including the AMG-tuned 3.0-liter turbo-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This engine delivered 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, ensuring robust performance across the rev range. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided seamless power delivery, while multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed drivers to tailor the car's character to their preferences.

The E53 Cabriolet's dual personality was evident, offering a quiet and comfortable cruising experience on scenic drives, while transforming into a dynamic performer on winding roads. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced the driving experience, and the optional 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires provided excellent grip. Despite some cowl shake due to the convertible design, the E53 Cabriolet remained solid and sure-footed. The car's adaptability extended to its suitability for various weather conditions, with features like heated seats, a neck-warming system, and a triple-layer acoustic soft top ensuring comfort in different climates.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a range of powertrains, with most models equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT and offered both FWD and AWD options, with the latter capable of distributing up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. Fuel economy for the FWD model was rated at 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined, while the AWD variant achieved 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined.

The standout performer in the Altima lineup was the SR VC-Turbo trim, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable compression technology. This engine delivered 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, offering a more engaging driving experience. Despite its increased power, the VC-Turbo maintained respectable fuel economy, rated at 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. The Altima's suspension setup included a sport-tuned option for the VC-Turbo, although the difference in feel was subtle. The electric-powered steering provided decent feedback and feel, contributing to an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered impressive performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured efficient power delivery, while AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed for customization of the driving experience.

The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced its dynamic capabilities, while optional 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires provided excellent grip. The car's dual nature was evident, offering a comfortable cruising experience on scenic drives and transforming into a dynamic performer on winding roads. Despite some cowl shake due to the convertible design, the E53 Cabriolet remained solid and sure-footed, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan's acclaimed Zero Gravity front seats, providing exceptional comfort on long drives. Upper trim levels offered power adjustment, position memory, leather appointments, and electric heating for the seats. The front cabin boasted ample storage and convenience features, including a large glovebox, center console storage bin, cupholders, and door pockets. The second row offered generous space for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for increased trunk access. The trunk itself provided 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats and a heated steering wheel were standard. The test car featured rapid-heating front seats, heated armrests, and the Airscarf neck-warming system. Sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats were available for hot weather comfort, while the triple-layer acoustic soft top ensured a quiet cabin.

The E53 Cabriolet's trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, which reduced to about half with the top down. Despite the limited trunk space, the car's luxurious interior and advanced comfort features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end convertible experience.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came equipped with a range of standard tech features, including Nissan Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, cruise control, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all but the base S model, which featured a 7-inch touchscreen display. Other models had an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen and a 7-inch advanced Drive-Assist display. The Altima offered multiple USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Bose audio system on higher trims. Active Noise Cancellation was included with the VC-Turbo engine, enhancing cabin comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, known for its intuitive interface and advanced capabilities. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of the system, offering high-resolution displays. MBUX could be controlled via touchscreen, physical controls, voice commands, or steering wheel buttons. The 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, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist and safety features standard on SV and above trims. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor was offered on upper trims. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

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 potential collisions. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. Additional safety features were available in the Driver Assistance Package, enhancing the car's safety capabilities.