2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2023 Nissan Versa

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, the AMG-tuned E-Class models, such as the AMG E53, offered a more powerful version of the E450’s engine.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Versa borrowed design elements from Nissan’s larger Sentra and Altima sedans, making it instantly recognizable as a modern Nissan. The Versa featured a sleek profile and a wide stance, with standard 15-inch steel wheels on the base S model, optional 16-inch alloy wheels for the S and SV, and 17-inch wheels for the SR model. The 2023 model also received styling updates, including a more elaborate V-Motion grille and new wheel designs. The interior design showed creativity, with large round air vents and an elaborate dashboard, although most materials were plastic. The SR trim added red stitching and upholstery inserts, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

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, 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 featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car's dual personality allowed it to be a quiet cruiser or a spirited performer, depending on the driving mode selected.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The base Versa S came with a five-speed manual transmission, while a CVT was optional on the S and standard on the SV and SR models. The CVT-equipped Versa SR felt adequate in traffic, with satisfactory handling and a comfortable ride. The Versa exhibited body roll in corners but maintained good grip and responsive steering, making daily commuting pleasant. The suspension effectively cushioned impacts, and cabin noise levels were lower than expected for an entry-level model.

The 2022 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 heated and ventilated options, a neck-warming Airscarf system, and multi-contour seats with massage functions. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped keep the cabin cool and quiet. However, the trunk space was limited to 9.5 cubic feet with the top raised, and about half of that with the top down.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, available only as a four-door sedan, offered 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space in the base S trim and 15 cubic feet in the SV and SR trims. This was more cargo space than competitors like the Kia Rio and Mitsubishi Mirage G4. The Versa provided ample front-seat headroom and legroom, although rear-seat space was less generous compared to its rivals. The front row felt spacious with good outward visibility, but storage for small items was limited. The center console bin was small, and the shifter's raised platform, while stylish, wasn't the best use of space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the 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 steering wheel controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like WiFi service and an augmented reality navigation overlay. The test car also had a Burmester surround-sound audio system. However, the digital assistant could be accidentally activated, and wind noise in the convertible could cause confusion.

The 2023 Nissan Versa's base S trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, three USB ports, and keyless entry. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with the S Plus Package or on the SV and SR trims. The SV added a 7-inch driver information display and a wireless charging pad, while the SR featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and NissanConnect Services telematics. Despite these features, the touchscreens were small, and the graphics on the 8-inch screen looked outdated. The digital instrument cluster display added a touch of sophistication, showing vital information next to an analog speedometer.

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 systems prepared the cabin and occupants for a collision and protected hearing during an impact. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system were standard on the AMG E53. Additional safety features were available in the Driver Assistance Package, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and more. The test car's adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist were particularly impressive.

The 2023 Nissan Versa exceeded expectations with its standard driver-assist tech. The base Versa S included automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning, while the SV added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SR trim featured adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the 2023 Versa a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover categories. The IIHS had not yet published updated safety ratings for the 2023 model.