2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a youthful and somewhat rebellious aesthetic, often compared to a teenager with piercings and tattoos. Despite its sporty appearance, it was more subdued than the racier WRX STI, lacking the race-ready rear wing. The WRX featured a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a speedy look even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to its sporty demeanor. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, with a design reminiscent of Subaru compact cars from the past decade. However, it lagged behind competitors like the VW GTI in terms of freshness and refinement, with plenty of hard plastics contributing to its less mature reputation.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The E-Class sedans came with an E350 model designation, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The AMG E53 models, including the Cabriolet we tested, had a more powerful version of the E450's engine. The E53 Cabriolet, with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim, looked sensational and exuded luxury. The interior was a treat, with high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft, supple leather, making it a true luxury experience.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The CVT, though not ideal for driving enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband accurately. The manual transmission, however, had a vague clutch feel, making it less satisfying. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision. While the WRX had well-weighted steering and excelled on winding roads, its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided 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 delivery to the pavement. Multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed for a versatile driving experience, from cushy cruising to spirited driving. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, added to the car's dynamic capabilities. The E53 Cabriolet excelled both as a comfortable cruiser and a spirited performer, making it a versatile choice.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it outperformed the Civic Si coupe in cargo capacity, it fell short compared to the Civic Si sedan and the VW GTI. The WRX's interior packaging showed its age, with limited in-door bottle holders and a center console that could obstruct shifting with the manual transmission. However, the WRX provided a commanding driving position with excellent visibility. The rear seats were spacious enough to accommodate four adults comfortably, making it a practical choice for a compact sedan.

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 turbulence with the top down, enhancing cabin comfort. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with 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. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. The multi-contour front seats with massage and the Air Balance interior fragrance system made long drives enjoyable. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, but this reduced significantly with the top down.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. Despite somewhat dated graphics, the system was user-friendly. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. However, the WRX's infotainment system, introduced in 2015, was not cutting-edge.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The high-resolution displays were easy to read, even in sunlight. MBUX could be controlled via touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, or 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 was comprehensive, though it required some acclimation and could be accidentally activated by saying "Mercedes."

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims came with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard 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 extra-cost Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus. The package provided a comprehensive suite of driver aids, enhancing safety and convenience.