2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2023 Toyota Crown

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 E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all variants 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, with 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option. For those seeking performance, the AMG-tuned E-Class models, like the AMG E53, offered a more powerful version of the E450’s engine. The E-Class was known for its luxurious interior, especially in high-end trims, with features like high-resolution digital displays, premium materials, and a sophisticated design that exuded luxury.

The 2023 Toyota Crown, a full-size sedan with seating for five, stood out with its elevated ride height, reminiscent of crossover vehicles. Its bold styling included a massive grille, angular wraparound headlights, and a distinctive rear with a bold taillight strip. The Crown's interior was modern, featuring a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, though it mixed hard plastics with cushioned touchpoints. The Crown's design was more audacious than typical Toyota models, especially with the two-tone color option available on the Platinum trim. Despite some quirks, the Crown's styling and interior aimed to offer a more upscale experience than its predecessors.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided a dynamic driving experience, with multiple driving modes available through AMG Dynamic Select. The E53 Cabriolet featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, making it a versatile vehicle capable of both relaxed cruising and spirited driving. Despite some cowl shake due to the convertible design, the E53 Cabriolet remained solid and sure-footed on winding roads.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains across its trims. The base powertrain combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid electric motor, delivering 236 horsepower and on-demand AWD. The Platinum trim featured the Hybrid Max powertrain, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and a more powerful rear electric motor, producing 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic transmission. The Crown's ride quality prioritized comfort, with the Platinum trim adding an adaptive suspension. While the Crown's performance was adequate for most drivers, it lacked the sporty edge of the E-Class, focusing instead on a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfort for both front and rear passengers. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, and features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system enhanced comfort. The E-Class Cabriolet's trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, though this was reduced when the top was down.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's interior varied by trim, with fabric and SofTex faux-leather in the base XLE, and full leather in the Limited and Platinum trims. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though firm cushioning could become uncomfortable over time. The Crown offered ample rear seat space, with a panoramic sunroof available on higher trims to enhance the sense of space. The trunk provided 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which was smaller than some competitors but still practical for everyday use.

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, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. The Burmester surround-sound audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the digital assistant could be inadvertently activated by wind noise in the convertible.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a voice-recognition system activated by "Hey Toyota." Higher trims offered an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The Crown also featured a digital key option, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Additional safety features were available in the Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety features included collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parking system. While some driver aids were intrusive, they could be disabled in most cases.