2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. This range of options was unparalleled in the market. The sedans came with an E350 model designation, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all E-Class variants were available as an E450, powered by a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, but 4Matic all-wheel drive was also an option. For driving enthusiasts, AMG-tuned versions like the AMG E53 were available, offering a more powerful version of the E450’s engine.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger had been running on essentially the same platform since 2005, shared with the Dodge Challenger coupe and Chrysler 300 sedan. The Charger underwent major updates in 2011 and 2015, with the latter giving it a more modern and menacing look. The interior, however, felt dated by modern standards, with thick bezels and chunky buttons. The Charger offered a range of trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models, featuring supercharged V8 engines with up to 807 horsepower.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided robust throttle response across a wide rev range, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system ensured the power was effectively delivered to the pavement. The E53 Cabriolet also had an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, making it a versatile vehicle for both relaxed cruising and spirited driving.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing up to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the R/T Scat Pack had a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Hellcat variants took performance to another level with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, producing 717 horsepower in the standard Hellcat and up to 807 horsepower in the Jailbreak model. The Hellcat and Redeye could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 196 mph. The Widebody setup improved handling and allowed the Charger to put its immense power down more effectively.

The 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 when the top was down, and the car featured heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, but this was reduced by half when the top was down.

The Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, felt more intimate due to its high center console and performance bucket seats. Both rows offered ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger provided 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. However, the Charger’s sports-car performance combined with four doors and a usable trunk made it a versatile option.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which included two 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods, including touch, voice, and physical controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional upgrades like WiFi service and an augmented reality navigation system. The test car also had a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its ease of use. Higher trims featured an 8.4-inch version of the Uconnect screen, which also included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced system, Uconnect’s simple layout and large icons made it user-friendly.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with 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. Additional features included Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound, Active Parking Assist, and a surround-view camera system. The extra-cost Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and other advanced safety features.

The Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.