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

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of the iconic hot hatch lineage that began with the 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, was a compact hatchback that combined practicality with performance. It featured subtle enhancements over the regular Golf, such as red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers. The GTI's exterior was further distinguished by standard LED fog lamps, gloss black side mirrors, and a small gloss black lip spoiler. Inside, the GTI offered a sporty ambiance 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 E-Class, available in various body styles including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, offered a luxurious and versatile driving experience. 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 could reach an MSRP of nearly $110,000 with options. The E-Class featured a modern design with AMG styling, larger wheels, and a convertible top. Inside, it boasted high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft, supple leather, creating an atmosphere of pure luxury.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was a highlight, with four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering providing crisp turn-in and great feel. The top-of-the-line Autobahn model came with DCC adaptive damping, enhancing its performance on the right roads. However, the GTI's performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI offered a choice between a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission, with the latter providing a more engaging driving experience. Fuel economy was respectable, with the GTI achieving 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with the dual-clutch transmission.

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. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured power was efficiently delivered to the pavement. The E53 Cabriolet could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, provided a dynamic driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet excelled in both relaxed cruising and spirited driving, making it a versatile performer.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI's hatchback form made it incredibly practical for carrying passengers and cargo. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and compact dimensions, the GTI offered 17.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front row provided ample space for taller drivers, while the second row was adequate for two average-sized adults or three juveniles. The GTI's tight turning circle of 35.8 feet and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Inside, clever storage options included large front door pockets and grippy cupholders, though the mechanical handbrake interfered slightly with access to the cupholders.

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 in the cabin when the top was down, enhancing passenger comfort. The front seats featured heating, rapid-heating, and a neck-warming Airscarf system, while ventilated front seats were available for hot weather. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped keep the cabin cool and quiet. The E53 Cabriolet's trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, though this was reduced by half when the top was dropped.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a standard analog gauge cluster, with a configurable driver information screen filling the gap between the speedometer and tachometer. The GTI's infotainment system included the VW MIB touchscreen, with S models using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models featuring an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, along with Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional connectivity options, including Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot portals. Standard smart technology included LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, with adaptive front lighting and dynamic cornering lights available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of MBUX, offering high-resolution displays that remained clear even in sunlight. The system could be controlled via touchscreen, physical controls, voice commands, or touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. MBUX 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 with metal speaker grilles were also available. The system's complexity required some acclimation, but it was highly customizable and user-friendly.

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 monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim level 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 E-Class came with 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 systems prepared the cabin and occupants for a collision and protected hearing during an impact. Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were also standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, front automatic braking for cross traffic, and more. The test car's adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist were particularly impressive.