2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a descendant of the original 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, continued to uphold the hot hatch legacy with its seventh-generation model. This compact hatchback, available in both three-door and five-door configurations, featured subtle yet impactful enhancements that set it apart from the regular Golf. Red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers were among the visual cues that signaled its performance pedigree. The GTI's lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black accents further emphasized its sporty character. Inside, the GTI built on the already impressive Golf interior with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats available in Clark plaid cloth or leather, depending on the trim level.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, on the other hand, showcased a design that borrowed elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a cohesive and stylish sedan. The front end featured a prominent grille with a massive three-pointed star logo, while the rear end and thin taillights echoed the S-Class. The cab-rearward proportions, long hood, and short rear deck highlighted its rear-wheel-drive platform. Standard LED headlights and taillights, along with the optional Digital Light system, added to its modern appeal. Inside, the C-Class aimed to replicate the luxury of the S-Class with a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles, and nightclub-style ambient lighting. Despite its luxury billing, the C-Class came standard with MBTex synthetic leather upholstery, with Nappa leather available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivered a spirited driving experience. The GTI's four-wheel independent suspension, variable-ratio steering, and Golf R front brakes contributed to its excellent handling. However, the performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI's fuel economy was respectable, with EPA ratings of 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the manual transmission and 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined for the dual-clutch automatic.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup allowed the C300 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The sportier AMG C43 variant boasted a more powerful 2.0-liter engine with 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. While the C300's powertrain was sufficient, it exhibited some turbo lag and rough shifts. The ride quality was generally smooth, with good body control and precise steering, although it required a more deliberate approach in corners.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, thanks to its compact hatchback design. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and dimensions of 168.0 inches in length, 70.8 inches in width, and 57.8 inches in height, the GTI offered a small footprint while providing ample interior space. The hatchback design allowed for 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The GTI's tight turning circle of 35.8 feet and excellent outward visibility made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Inside, clever storage options, such as large front door pockets and grippy cupholders, added to its practicality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, available only in this body style for now, was longer and wider than its predecessor, resulting in increased interior space. Headroom increased by 0.1 inch in the front and 0.4 inch in the back, while rear-seat legroom grew by 0.8 inch. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, although front legroom was less impressive. The seats were comfortable and supportive, with good forward visibility but thick rear pillars creating blind spots. The trunk offered 17.9 cubic feet of space, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for accommodating longer items.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a mix of traditional and modern technology. It retained analog gauges with a configurable driver information screen and a mechanical hand brake. The VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with the MIB2 system and a 6.5-inch screen on S models, and the MIB3 system with an 8-inch screen and navigation on SE and Autobahn models. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink were standard, along with Bluetooth and two USB ports. The Car-Net subscription service offered remote access, safe and secure features, and a mobile hotspot. Standard LED lighting, keyless access, rain-sensing wipers, and heated mirrors added to the GTI's tech offerings.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted an infotainment setup inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Burmester 3D surround-sound system on the mid-tier Premium model and a head-up display and augmented-reality navigation on the top Pinnacle model. The MBUX infotainment system featured a "Zero Layer" setup, allowing multiple functions to be displayed simultaneously. The voice recognition system and touch controls on the steering wheel were user-friendly, and the optional augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance for turns.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash-test categories. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control. The GTI's sharp handling also contributed to its ability to avoid collisions.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. However, it came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, a driver-attention monitor, Pre-Safe, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, park assist, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control. The C-Class also offered Car-to-X communication for sharing information between vehicles.