2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry worked hard to distance itself from its past iterations, which often had a generic and uninspired appearance akin to driver’s ed textbooks. Designers aimed to inject excitement by adding many intricate styling details. Some of these elements, like the flared wheel arches and thin headlights and taillights, effectively widened the car visually. However, opting for the SE, XSE, or TRD trims introduced fake vents that imparted a cluttered visual aspect. LE and XLE trims featured a cleaner but still massive grille. The car rode on the TNGA-K platform, shared with models like the Avalon sedan and RAV4 SUV.

For 2021, Toyota modified the front-fascia styling in most trims but kept changes subtle. The TRD performance model stood out with a larger rear spoiler and unique styling elements. The Nightshade Edition, based on the SE trim, carried over from 2020, offering blacked-out exterior trims and wheels. Standard wheels were 17-inch alloys on the LE, with 18-inch and 19-inch options available on higher trims.

The interior mirrored the exterior’s chaotic styling. The SE Nightshade’s dashboard appeared cobbled together from parts of two different cars, cluttered with various materials like contrast stitching, piano black plastic, and vaguely carbon-fiber-like trim. The XLE and XSE models offered leather upholstery, but in general, the materials felt low-quality and lacked a cohesive design theme.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class epitomized versatility, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon variants. Specific focus here was on the AMG E53 Cabriolet, which layered on ten grand of matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. At a base price of $85,400, escalating to an eye-watering $110,000 with options, it targeted wealth flaunters rather than penny pinchers.

Mercedes modern design ethos leaned towards a minimalistic yet luxurious aesthetic. Adding AMG styling, intricate wheels, a convertible top, and a nearly luminescent matte-blue paint transformed the E53 convertible into an epitome of design perfection. The interior felt even more luxurious, adorned with high-resolution digital displays, illuminated air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft, fine leather—a complete sensory experience of luxury.

The 2021 Toyota Camry’s base powertrain was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, intriguingly named Dynamic Force, which delivered above-average output for a naturally aspirated engine. It produced 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with FWD, slightly reduced to 202 hp and 182 lb-ft with AWD. An optional dual-exhaust on the XSE trim increased the output slightly. A naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 was also available, producing 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with electric assist, culminating in a total output of 208 hp. The test car, an SE Nightshade Edition with the four-cylinder engine and AWD, provided a surprisingly dynamic drive with its responsive nature and commendable handling balance.

Toyota engineers successfully married responsive handling with ride comfort. The Camry managed to be entertaining in corners but didn't compromise on comfort. Steering feedback was minimal but responsive. The TRD model took things a notch higher with the V6 engine and several performance-enhancing chassis upgrades.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG E53 was equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine featuring EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This setup produced a robust 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, ensuring powerful acceleration and responsiveness across the rev range. It could sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system delivered the power efficiently, and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed for a versatile driving experience.

The AMG E53 Cabriolet shone in both relaxed and spirited driving situations. Top down, it cruised quietly along scenic routes, but with AMG Dynamic Select engaged, it transformed into a potent road-precise handler. Despite some cowl shake, the convertible felt stable and sure-footed, even when driven spiritedly on twisty roads.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Camry, the layout favored rear passengers with generous headroom and legroom, sometimes at the expense of front seat space. Nonetheless, the front seats offered enough adjustability for comfort. Visibility was excellent. The overall cargo space stood at 15.1 cubic feet, average for its class but notably lesser than the Honda Accord’s 16.7 cubic feet. In-cabin storage was limited, with relatively smaller cupholders and door storage bins.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG E53 Cabriolet offered true four-passenger seating. The Aircap system helped reduce turbulence with the top down, enhancing comfort for all occupants. While primarily designed to accommodate one or two people, the front seats received special attention with standard heating, optional rapid-heating, heated armrests, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats helped mitigate hot-weather discomfort.

Cargo capacity in the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet varied with the top’s position. With the top raised, it offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space—far less than the Toyota Camry. Dropping the top cut this volume by half, aligning its cargo space closer to that of a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and SiriusXM (with a trial period). Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, WiFi, navigation, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a 10-inch head-up display. The media ports included one USB media port, two USB charge ports, and a 12-volt outlet. While the infotainment menus were user-friendly, the system lacked standout features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the exceptional MBUX infotainment system. Two 12.3-inch high-resolution screens formed the central console, offering vivid graphics and easy usability. Interaction methods included touchscreen, physical center-console controls, digital voice assistant, or touch-sensing steering wheel buttons. It featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional upgrades like WiFi and an augmented-reality navigation overlay. The test car included a superb Burmester surround-sound system.

MBUX systems impressed with their customization options and user-friendliness, despite occasional challenges such as accidental activation of the voice assistant. The convertible faced some issues with voice commands due to wind noise, but this was expected.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned top safety ratings—“Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The TSS 2.5+ package of safety features became standard, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. It also included the new Rear Seat Reminder to prevent leaving children or pets in the back seat. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available options.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class had standard forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The AMG E53 Cabriolet featured rollbars for rollover protection. Additional systems included Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound, which prepared occupants and protected hearing in collisions. Active Parking Assist, a semi-autonomous parking aid, and various driver assistance technologies were available through the Driver Assistance Package, boasting features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and evasive steering assist.