2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold Toyota's legacy in the U.S. as a staple family sedan. With a history dating back to 1983, the Camry had evolved through eight generations, with the hybrid variant introduced in 2007. By 2022, the Camry Hybrid maintained its reputation with minimal changes from the previous year. Its exterior design was both futuristic and expressive, featuring a bold front end and a range of wheel options from 16-inch steel to 19-inch alloy. Inside, the Camry Hybrid offered a modern and dynamic dashboard design, with a spacious second row that provided comfort even for the middle seat. Toyota's attention to detail was evident in the high-quality materials and finishes throughout the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, showcasing its versatility. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, stood out with its luxurious design and high-end features. The vehicle's exterior was enhanced by AMG styling, larger wheels, and a striking matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the E53 Cabriolet exuded luxury with high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and premium leather. The convertible's interior was designed for comfort, with features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming system, making it a true embodiment of luxury and style.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed for efficiency rather than speed, making it an ideal choice for those looking to minimize fuel stops. The entry-level LE model achieved impressive EPA ratings of 51 mpg city, 53 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined, while other trims offered slightly lower figures. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total output of 208 horsepower. The electronically controlled CVT and front-wheel drive provided a smooth driving experience, with paddle shifters available on SE and XSE models for a more engaging drive. Despite its focus on fuel economy, the Camry Hybrid offered good handling, aided by a low center of gravity due to the battery placement.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet, on the other hand, was a performance powerhouse. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, equipped with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, produced 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was efficiently delivered to the road. The E53 Cabriolet could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system further enhanced its dynamic capabilities, making it a versatile vehicle that could transition from a comfortable cruiser to a spirited performer with ease.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable and practical driving experience. Its ride height and seating position were designed for ease of use, accommodating a wide range of driver preferences. The interior offered ample storage options, with a spacious glove compartment and various nooks throughout the cabin. The second row was easily accessible and provided generous space for passengers. The Camry Hybrid's trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, with a passthrough for longer items and foldable rear seats for additional cargo capacity. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the hybrid battery.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfort for both front and rear occupants. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence when the top was down, enhancing the open-air experience. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming system. The triple-layer acoustic soft top provided insulation from external temperatures, while the multi-contour front seats with massage and Air Balance fragrance system added to the luxury. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of space with the top up, which was reduced when the top was down.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium audio system tuned by JBL. This system, available on XLE and XSE models, featured nine speakers and sophisticated algorithms for enhanced audio quality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The Camry Hybrid offered a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Additional options included embedded navigation, a 10-inch head-up display, and a bird’s-eye view camera, bringing luxury-level tech to the Camry Hybrid.

Mercedes-Benz's MBUX infotainment system in the 2022 E-Class was a benchmark in digital instrumentation. The system featured two 12.3-inch screens, offering high-resolution displays for both the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Interaction with MBUX was versatile, with options including touchscreen, voice commands, and steering wheel controls. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like WiFi service and augmented reality navigation. The test car included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, enhancing the in-car entertainment experience. While the system was comprehensive, users needed to familiarize themselves with its extensive menu structure.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Camry Hybrid also featured Toyota’s Star safety system, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It was equipped with 10 airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. A blind-spot monitor was available on lower trims and standard on higher trims. The 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model was expected to maintain this rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The E-Class Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for potential collisions and protecting occupants' hearing. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided in parking. Additional safety features were available in the Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The package provided a comprehensive suite of driver aids, enhancing the E-Class's safety credentials.