2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Nissan Altima

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 E-Class sedans came with an E350 model designation, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all 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 E53 were available, offering a more powerful engine.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima had evolved significantly since its 1993 debut. By 2022, it was available in five trim levels: S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum. The Altima featured Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package on the SR trim added a sportier look with gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel. However, lower trims lacked the premium feel of higher trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided robust throttle response across a wide rev range, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system enhanced the driving experience. 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 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engines: a 2.5-liter unit with 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine with 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was only available on the SR trim with FWD. All Altimas came with a CVT, and the SR trim included paddle shifters. The VC-Turbo engine could adjust its compression ratio for performance or efficiency, but it wasn't available with AWD. The base engine provided mediocre acceleration, but the Altima's suspension and quiet cabin offered a comfortable ride.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible with comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence when the top was down. The front seats featured heating, rapid-heating options, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. Ventilated front seats and a triple-layer acoustic soft top were also available. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, but this was significantly reduced when the top was down.

The Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions were average among midsize sedans, with a 15.4 cubic foot trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid. Despite these minor issues, the Altima was a competent and practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The test car also had a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly but required acclimation to its swipe and scroll functions on the steering wheel.

The entry-level Altima S had a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch color touchscreen with basic audio features. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The advanced drive-assist display offered various functions, and the SR VC-Turbo trim featured active noise cancellation. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The test vehicle's tech worked flawlessly, handling voice commands and Apple CarPlay integration well.

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. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and other advanced features. The test car's adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist were particularly impressive.

The 2022 Nissan Altima included standard driver aids like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims added Safety Shield 360, which included rear automatic braking and blind-spot warning. The Altima received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation. The car's child-seat anchors also received the highest rating.