2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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, except for the All-Terrain wagon, offered an AMG E53 model with a more powerful version of the E450’s engine.

In 2022, the AMG E53 Cabriolet was evaluated, featuring $10,000 worth of matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. Even at its base price of $85,400, the E53 convertible struggled to justify its cost, with the as-tested MSRP nearing $110,000. However, the car was designed for those who flaunt their wealth, and it looked sensational with its AMG styling, larger wheels, convertible top, and matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the high-end spec included bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather, exuding luxury.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, once badged as the Impreza WRX, had evolved significantly. The current-generation WRX, riding on the Subaru Global Platform, featured distinct front and rear styling, wide-body sides, and functional hood scoop feeding air to an intercooler. Base models had 17-inch wheels, while other trims had 18-inch wheels with standard summer tires. The WRX and Impreza were set to diverge further in 2024, with the Impreza available only as a hatchback and the WRX remaining a sedan.

The WRX's exterior styling conveyed its performance capabilities and Subaru heritage, with a tuner aesthetic fitting Subaru's design theme. The interior was basic but durable, with GT models featuring Recaro Performance Design front seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, red contrast stitching, and Ultrasuede upholstery. The WRX GT's seats were comfortable and supportive, enhancing the mostly black interior.

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 delivered power efficiently, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes altering the car’s character. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, rounded out the engineering highlights.

The E53 Cabriolet showcased its dual personality, offering a quiet and cushy cruising experience on the Pacific Coast Highway and transforming into a firm, sure-footed performer on twisty roads. Despite some cowl shake due to the convertible top, the E53 Cab felt solid and confident. The car's three-season, top-down driving suitability was highlighted during a chilly week in Southern California, with heated features enhancing comfort. The AWD system, heated wiper blades, and multiple camera angles made the E53 Cabriolet suitable for winter driving with appropriate tires.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, with its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, produced 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This placed it between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R in terms of power, and between the Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R. The WRX featured AWD, with power routed through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) CVT. The SPT/CVT, standard on the GT trim, provided quick throttle responses, simulating a conventional automatic transmission but with some unnecessary fake shift shocks.

GT models also had electronically controlled dampers and a drive mode select system with multiple settings for steering, engine, AWD system, driver aids, and climate control. The WRX's well-mannered character made it a pleasant daily driver, with confidence-inspiring grip from its AWD system and summer tires. However, the driving experience was somewhat muted, with a quiet exhaust, CVT blunting acceleration, and laid-back steering.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seats and an Aircap system reducing cabin turbulence. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, and heated armrests. The Airscarf neck-warming system and sun-reflective leather added to the comfort. Ventilated front seats and a triple-layer acoustic soft top were available for hot weather. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, making long drives enjoyable.

With the top raised, the E-Class Cabriolet's trunk held 9.5 cubic feet of cargo, which was reduced by half with the top down, similar to a Mazda MX-5 Miata's trunk space.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, offered practicality with more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si, though the Civic provided more rear-seat space. The WRX's 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space was less than the Civic Si, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and Hyundai Elantra N. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat and roof-rack mounts were standard. The WRX maintained good outward visibility with low window-sill lines, thin forward roof pillars, and a low dashboard.

However, the WRX had no suitable place for a phone, with the typical spot under the touchscreen too small for modern smartphones, and the cupholders also inadequate. The center console storage bin was the only option, but it was not convenient for charging or using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The system was complex yet user-friendly, with swipe and scroll functions on the steering wheel buttons requiring acclimation. Interaction options included the touchscreen, physical controls, digital voice assistant, and touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. MBUX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available.

Challenges with MBUX included remembering menu locations and accidentally waking the digital assistant. In a convertible, wind noise could confuse the assistant, but this was expected.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Starlink infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with base models having two 7-inch touchscreens and higher trims an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen displayed icons and text clearly, but physical buttons and knobs would have been appreciated. The menus were mostly easy to navigate, though SiriusXM satellite radio required too many steps and took a long time to load on startup.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were also standard, preparing the cabin for impact and protecting ears from loud noises. Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were included. The extra-cost Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured the EyeSight safety system with stereo cameras, adding adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Other available features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.