2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a versatile offering, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, a variety unmatched by most competitors. The sedan variants, known as the E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all E-Class models could be upgraded to the E450, which boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, but 4Matic all-wheel drive was an option. For those seeking performance, the AMG-tuned E-Class models, like the AMG E53, offered a more powerful engine. Despite its high ranking in previous reviews, the E-Class was not known for cost-effectiveness. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its luxurious features and a base price of $85,400, could reach an MSRP of nearly $110,000 when fully equipped. This model was designed for those who appreciated luxury and style, with its AMG styling, convertible top, and matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the high-end spec offered digital displays, premium materials, and a luxurious ambiance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, a long-standing best-seller for the automaker, maintained its popularity despite challenges like the pandemic and supply chain issues. In 2022, the Jetta accounted for a significant portion of Volkswagen's U.S. sales, outselling the rest of the VW car lineup combined. The Jetta received a mild makeover, including an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, and a new Sport trim. The design changes were subtle, with chrome accents and new wheel designs. The interior updates included a new rhombus pattern for the cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium look. The Jetta offered a comfortable ride, with a focus on practicality and efficiency. The 2022 model featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing 158 horsepower and impressive fuel economy. The Jetta's performance was adequate for city commuting, but its powertrain had some drawbacks, such as turbo lag and touchy throttle response. The Jetta's ride quality was comfortable, but its dynamics were not particularly engaging.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models were equipped with a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine featuring EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, which used a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator to enhance power and efficiency. This AMG-tuned engine produced 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, delivering robust throttle response across a wide rev range. The E53 could accelerate 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 engine's power was effectively transferred to the road. Drivers could choose from multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, allowing the car to adapt to different driving conditions. The E53 Cabriolet featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The convertible offered a dual personality, providing a quiet and comfortable ride for leisurely drives, while also delivering thrilling performance on winding roads. The E53 Cabriolet was suitable for three-season, top-down driving, with features like heated seats and an AWD system for winter use.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.4-liter engine. It produced 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with transmission options including a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's performance was adequate for city driving, with a slight increase in horsepower providing a bit more pep. The standout feature was its fuel economy, with the manual transmission achieving 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Automatic models had slightly different ratings, with the S and Sport trims achieving 31 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined, while the SE and SEL trims achieved 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged an impressive 46.9 mpg on the highway. The Jetta's ride quality was comfortable, but its powertrain had some drawbacks, such as turbo lag and touchy throttle response. The Jetta offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the steering feedback was detached, and the overall dynamics were not particularly engaging.

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 cabin turbulence when the top was down, enhancing passenger comfort. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The test car featured rapid-heating front seats and heated armrests, along with the Airscarf neck-warming system. Sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats were available for hot weather, while the triple-layer acoustic soft top helped maintain a cool and quiet cabin. The test car also included multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, but this was reduced by half when the top was down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth passenger. The seats were comfortable, though the front seat cushions had a slight incline that might not suit shorter passengers. The cabin was driver-centric, with easy access to controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. The layout was intuitive, with buttons for the engine start/stop system, drive modes, and electronic parking brake located near the shifter. Storage space was practical, with door pockets, a center console bin, and a slot next to the cupholders. The center storage bin was small but functional, though it lacked a latch, which was unusual.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, known for its complexity and ease of use. The system included two 12.3-inch screens—a touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster—offering high-resolution displays. Interaction with MBUX was possible through the touchscreen, physical controls, voice commands, or steering wheel buttons. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like WiFi service and augmented reality navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available. The MBUX system was customizable, but its extensive menu structure could be challenging to navigate, and the digital assistant could be inadvertently activated.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received technology upgrades, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The S, Sport, and SE trims had an 8-inch display, while the SEL trim had a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The system allowed for customization, with navigation displayed in the instrument cluster. The standard infotainment system for lower trims was a 6.5-inch MIB2 system, while the SEL trim had an 8-inch MIB3 system with additional features like navigation, wireless connectivity, and enhanced voice recognition. The MIB3 system included premium audio and remote start, but voice commands were not always intuitive, requiring specific prompts for accurate responses.

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. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for a collision and protecting occupants' hearing. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. Additional safety features were available in the Driver Assistance Package, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency stop assist. The package provided a comprehensive suite of driver aids, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance technologies. The S and Sport trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist brought the vehicle to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The SE and SEL trims had the full IQ.Drive safety suite. The 2022 Jetta had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2021 model received high safety ratings, with some shortcomings in headlight performance and LATCH use.