2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI presented a familiar yet subtly refreshed design, maintaining its iconic hatchback silhouette. Despite the brand's claim of all-new body panels, the differences from its predecessor were subtle to the untrained eye. The car was slightly longer and lower, contributing to a stable appearance, while the unchanged wheelbase promised agility. The front end featured a sleek hood and a honeycomb-patterned air intake, with a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Optional features like a light bar added flair, especially at night. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side mirrors and underbody paneling, while red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on the trim added to its sporty appeal. The GTI offered a range of colors, from classic shades to vibrant options like Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI boasted plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather options available, and retained its classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, particularly the AMG E53 Cabriolet, exuded luxury and versatility, available in multiple body styles. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its matte-finish paint and premium materials, was a visual delight. Mercedes' design purity was evident, with AMG styling, intricate wheels, and a convertible top enhancing its allure. Inside, the E53 Cabriolet offered a luxurious experience with high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather. The car was designed for comfort, with features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming system. The E-Class Cabriolet was a true four-passenger vehicle, with an Aircap system to reduce cabin turbulence. While trunk space was limited, especially with the top down, the E-Class prioritized passenger comfort and luxury.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, offered a thrilling driving experience with peak torque available at a low 1,750 rpm. The GTI's power was delivered to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The car's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual, slightly better with the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes. The Autobahn trim featured adaptive damping for improved performance. Tested on winding roads, the GTI excelled in cornering and provided a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power was accessible across a wide rev range, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was effectively transferred to the road. The E53 Cabriolet offered multiple driving modes, an AMG-tuned air suspension, and a performance exhaust system. The car's dual nature allowed for both relaxed cruising and spirited driving. Despite some cowl shake, the E53 Cabriolet felt solid and confident on twisty roads. It was suitable for three-season driving, with features like heated wiper blades and AWD for winter conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance with practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet provided a luxurious four-passenger experience, with comfortable seating and an Aircap system to reduce cabin turbulence. The focus was on front passenger comfort, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming system. The car's trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of space with the top up, reduced when the top was down. The E53 Cabriolet prioritized passenger comfort and luxury over cargo capacity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Car-Net system offered various services, some at additional cost, such as remote access and WiFi capability.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods, including voice control. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options like WiFi service and augmented reality navigation. The test car featured a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was praised for its functionality, though it required some acclimation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Travel Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard across all trims, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class 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. The Driver Assistance Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The test car included this package, which was highly effective.