2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Subaru Impreza had a more conservative design compared to its predecessors, which featured large round headlights and box fender flares. The current generation, while not distinctly Subaru, was still considered fairly handsome. Both the sedan and hatchback versions sported sleek headlights and taillights, a nicely-tapered front end, and some scalloping on the body sides. The Impreza Sport models had specific styling touches, including 18-inch alloy wheels, while base models came with 16-inch steel wheels. The interior design was typical of compact cars, with a split dashboard housing the infotainment touchscreen and various forms of plastic throughout. The Impreza Sport featured contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and LED headlights.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, offered a variety of options unmatched by other models. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, stood out with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. Priced at $85,400, the E53 convertible's as-tested MSRP approached $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 featured bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather, exuding luxury.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This engine's unique design allowed it to be mounted lower in the chassis, lowering the car's center of gravity. Most models came with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while a five-speed manual was available on the base sedan and hatchback, and the Impreza Sport hatchback. The Sport trim also featured model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for the AWD system. While the Impreza provided a nice ride and felt solid and refined, it lacked the engagement of competitors like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. The Sport's suspension tuning offered a good balance between ride quality and handling, but the noncommunicative steering and engine's lack of power kept it from being a true driver's car.

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 delivered robust throttle response across a wide rev range, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured power was effectively put to the pavement. The E53 Cabriolet also had an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car's dual personality allowed it to be a quiet cruiser or a spirited performer, depending on the driving mode selected. Despite some cowl shake due to the convertible top, the E53 Cabriolet felt solid and sure-footed on twisty roads.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offered reasonable legroom in both the sedan and hatchback, though headroom was slightly below average. The sedan's trunk space was limited to 12.3 cubic feet, but the hatchback provided 20.8 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Impreza hatch also featured standard roof rails on all trims except the base model. Higher trims included an All-Weather Package with heated front seats, a heated windshield, and heated exterior mirrors. The Sport trim added keyless entry with pushbutton start, while the Limited trim offered a six-way power driver's seat and automatic climate control. A power moonroof was available as an option on most trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating for adults in both rows. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence when the top was down. 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 and sun-reflective leather added to the comfort. Ventilated front seats were available, and the triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, but this was reduced by half when the top was down.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base and Premium trims, while higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen. The top Limited trim offered an option package with TomTom-based navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. A secondary display above the main touchscreen showed information like estimated range, though it seemed redundant given the small LCD display in the gauge cluster. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large touchscreen icons and easy access to important functions. However, it lacked advanced features for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation, offering high-resolution displays that remained clear even in sunlight. Interaction options included the touchscreen, center console controls, digital voice assistant, and touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. 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. The MBUX system's complexity required some acclimation, but it was generally user-friendly and customizable.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award, with the highest "Good" scores in all crash tests. However, it missed the "Top Safety Pick+" award due to "Marginal" headlight ratings on standard models. The Limited trim's headlights received a "Good" rating. The NHTSA awarded the Impreza sedan and hatchback a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight safety tech was standard on CVT-equipped models, including features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet also had 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 extra-cost Driver Assistance Package added features like adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist. The test car included this package, which proved to be a valuable collection of driver aids.