2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, offering a variety that was hard to match. 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 E-Class models were available, with the AMG E53 model offering a more powerful version of the E450’s engine.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra carried over from its 2020 redesign with a modern, low-slung, coupe-like exterior that resembled a downsized Altima. The Sentra's design was a significant improvement over its predecessors, featuring a well-honed execution of Nissan’s current design language. The interior of the Sentra shone with a modern-yet-simple layout, easy-to-use controls, and a touchscreen that served as the visual centerpiece. The Sentra was available in S, SV, and SR trims, each offering a range of features from basic necessities to more premium options.

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 acceleration time of 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 boasted an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, making it a versatile vehicle capable of both relaxed cruising and spirited driving.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While the engine was not particularly outstanding, it provided solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, making the Sentra a reliable choice for commuting and occasional road trips.

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 cabin turbulence when the top was down, and the car featured heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped keep the cabin cool and quiet in hot weather. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, which was reduced by half when the top was down.

The Nissan Sentra provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which was better than many other small sedans. The trunk space could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, although the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items more difficult. The Sentra's interior offered spacious seating in both rows, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front and decent legroom in the rear. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, along with ample cupholders and trays in the center console.

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 options including touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, and steering wheel buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like WiFi service and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The test car also had a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the SV and SR trims featured a larger 8-inch touchscreen. The system was easy to navigate, with conventional hard buttons and volume/tuning dials. However, the graphics could use updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Additional features like Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, while the Driver Assistance Package offered advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and more.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The test model also had a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, including a "Top Safety Pick" award.