2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in diverse body styles such as coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, offering unmatched variety in the luxury car segment. Enthusiasts had several engine choices, with sedans featuring an E350 model designation signifying a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all E-Class variants could be an E450, boasting a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The E-Class also had the option for rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD).

The 2022 E-Class catered to driving enthusiasts through AMG-tuned variants except for the All-Terrain wagon. Specific models, like the evaluated AMG E53 Cabriolet, blended luxury with sportiness. The standout features included matte-finish paint, premium interior materials like leather and carbon fiber, and a striking external look characterized by larger AMG wheels and a convertible top.

Mercedes' modern design ethos lent a sublime aesthetic to the E-Class; however, the sheer scope of add-ons on the AMG E53 Cabriolet elevated its visual appeal. Inside, luxury was evident with high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and ornate yet practical air vents, further enhancing the cabin's opulence. The overall design struck a balance between sleek lines and luxury, underlined by intricate finishes and meticulous attention to detail.

On the flip side, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class melded design elements from other Mercedes models into a cohesive, stylish sedan. Its front end shared similarities with the CLA-Class, while the rear end took cues from the S-Class, forming a recognizable Mercedes visage from any angle. The C-Class emphasized its RWD platform with elongated hood design, differentiating it from its front-wheel-drive (FWD) counterparts, the CLA-Class and A-Class.

Standard LED headlights and taillights added a modern touch, and the inclusion of Mercedes' Digital Light system allowed for dynamic headlight adjustments and projections, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the flagship S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles for the Burmester audio system, and lavish ambient lighting in 64 hues.

Despite carrying synthetic leather upholstery as standard, the C-Class offered a cozy yet upscale vibe with a design that suggested meticulous craftsmanship. The cabin gracefully combined luxury and tech-driven elements, though it lacked the high-end materials standard in higher-tier Mercedes models.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine bolstered by Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This setup used a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator to enhance both power and efficiency. The AMG-tuned engine delivered an impressive 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, consistent across a broad rev range of 1,800 to 6,100 rpm. According to Mercedes, this enabled the E53 to sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Power transmission was managed by an AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes that allowed tailoring the car's behavior to the driver's preference. Complementing the mechanical prowess was an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires.

The dual personality of the AMG E53 Cabriolet was its hallmark; it toggled seamlessly between a luxurious cruiser for relaxed drives and a spirited performer on twisty roads, despite some cowl shake due to the convertible top. The car offered unparalleled versatility, handling even chilly weather namesakes of Southern California thanks to features like heated components and AWD.

Comparatively, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 employed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This combination allowed for an acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically capped at 130 mph.

A sportier variant, the AMG C43, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine from the SL-Class sports car, generating 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This enhancement reduced the zero to 60 mph time to 4.6 seconds and increased the top speed to 155 mph or 165 mph with upgraded wheels.

While the C300 provided sufficient power, acceleration was occasionally marred by turbo lag, and the transmission demonstrated some rough shifts and gear-holding tendencies. On twisty roads, it offered commendable body control and precise steering but required more deliberate effort to navigate corners compared to the E-Class.

As a true four-passenger convertible, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet ensured comfort for all occupants, albeit with a marked focus on front passengers. Essential luxuries like heated seats, Aircap to reduce turbulence, and a host of heating features underscored Mercedes' commitment to comfort. The Airscarf system provided neck warmth, and the sun-reflective leather and optional ventilated front seats added to the comfort quotient.

Storage in the E-Class Cabriolet was limited; the trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of space with the top raised, but this halved when the top was down, paralleling a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Despite this constraint, the car compensated with features like multi-contour front seats with massage and the Air Balance fragrance system, particularly beneficial for long journeys.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan's redesign resulted in increased dimensions, translating to more interior space. Front headroom gained 0.1 inches, rear headroom 0.4 inches, and rear legroom 0.8 inches, making it an apt choice for taller passengers. The C-Class boasted leading headroom and legroom among competitors, although front legroom was less generous.

Comfortable seating characterized the C-Class, despite some visibility issues due to thick rear pillars. Its trunk space outdid rivals with 17.9 cubic feet, and a foldable rear bench (40/20/40 split) added versatility. Although minor annoyances like dashboard glare and impractical wireless charging pad placement emerged, they were relatively negligible.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class set the benchmark for digital instrumentation and infotainment with MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). Dual 12.3-inch screens formed the backbone of the system, providing vivid, high-resolution visuals that held up well even under direct sunlight. Multiple interaction modes allowed drivers and passengers to control the system using touchscreen, physical buttons, voice assistant, or touch-sensing steering wheel buttons.

Expected features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, and upgrades included WiFi, augmented reality navigation, and a head-up display. The Burmester surround-sound system with visually impressive metal speaker grilles elevated the audio experience, despite occasional challenges like accidentally activating the digital assistant due to the car’s convertible nature.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class's infotainment mirrored the S-Class, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhanced connectivity, while higher trims added a Burmester 3D surround-sound system and a head-up display.

The C-Class effectively used the MBUX system's “Zero Layer” setup for greater functionality, displaying various functions as tiles against a navigation map backdrop. Intuitive climate controls and a highly responsive voice recognition system rounded out the tech innovation, bolstered by optional augmented-reality navigation to assist precise turn-by-turn directions.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came well-equipped with standard safety features, including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet variant specifically featured pop-up roll bars for added rollover protection.

Standard safety included Mercedes' Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound systems, preparing occupants for an impending collision and emitting “pink noise” to protect hearing. Optional Driver Assistance Package features like adaptive cruise control with Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Steering Assist, and Pre-Safe Plus were available, enhancing the E-Class’s safety profile.

Ratings for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class from IIHS and NHTSA were pending, but it also garnered a comprehensive suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, driver attention monitor, Pre-Safe, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional safety amenities included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control.

The advanced Car-to-X communication system allowed the sharing of real-time information between vehicles, enhancing safety in variable conditions, confirmed by its effective advance warning systems during testing.