Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Nissan Sentra

The current-generation Sentra, which was launched for the 2020 model year, received significant updates in styling for 2024. The grille was widened, seamlessly blending with the new headlights that featured black interior bezel elements and chrome trim outlining the edges. The redesigned front fascia included vertical elements meant to resemble air vents at the edges, creating a broader appearance. Nissan's designers applied the “longer, lower, wider” styling maxim, enhancing the car's visual appeal.

The Sentra wasn't unattractive before, and the updated elements harmonized effectively with existing features like the available black roof and pronounced rear-quarter panels. The rear’s broad shoulders balanced the front, making for a small sedan that elegantly avoids the eccentricities of rivals like the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla, yet offers more flair than the Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta.

The 2024 Sentra lineup still included S, SV, and SR trims, with a Premium Package available for SV and SR grades. The base S trim had 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV received 16-inch alloy wheels with a new design for 2024. The SR trim featured 18-inch wheels and unique styling elements, such as darkened chrome trim and a reshaped lower rear fascia. The SR trim also offered the black roof option, which could pair with vibrant colors like Monarch Orange Metallic or Electric Blue Metallic.

Inside, the Sentra showcased large, round air vents inspired by the Z sports car, and a plunging dashboard shape that framed the central touchscreen. The SR models included red-orange accent stitching for the standard cloth seats, with leather upholstery available on SV models along with a moonroof. The flat-bottom steering wheel provided a sporty touch, while the material quality met expectations for an entry-level car, bolstered by distinctive styling elements.

The redesigned 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stood out by bucking the trend of cold, technical modern vehicles. It sported long hood and short deck proportions, softly rounded forms, and cleanly penned flanks with bold detailing. The star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillight illumination, chrome defining the roofline, and various expressive wheel designs imparted a distinctive character that promised to age gracefully.

Available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, the new E-Class started at $62,300 plus a destination charge of $1,150. Despite this appealing base price, many advanced features were bundled into optional packages targeting comfort, technology, and safety. Our test vehicle, nearly fully loaded except for the Multicontour Seating Package, came to $82,450 including the destination charge.

Inside, our test E 350 4Matic's interior dripped with luxury and technology, featuring Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery and a Superscreen triple-display glass panel stretching across the dashboard. The interior design expertly blended classic luxury with high-tech modernism, incorporating attractive wood with aluminum inlays on the center console and an active ambient lighting system.

Since its debut in 1982, the Nissan Sentra had seen several performance-oriented versions. However, by 2024, Nissan had focused more on efficiency than high performance. The 2024 Sentra was available only with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, coupled with front-wheel drive (FWD). The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was reengineered to improve fuel efficiency and provide smoother operation. A new engine start-stop system was also introduced to further enhance mpg.

In terms of driving experience, the Sentra offered a pleasant ride. The steering was precise with ample feedback, avoiding the need for constant corrections. The suspension ensured a comfortable ride without excessive body roll, making it suitable for everyday driving but not for high-performance situations. The only issue observed was an unexpected surge in acceleration at around 45 mph, but this might be due to the pre-production nature of the test vehicle.

The 2024 E-Class E 350 4Matic came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It could achieve 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. For those seeking more power, the E 450 4Matic offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, capable of reaching 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds.

Both versions utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system supported the engine, aiding fuel economy and acceleration with an electric motor providing up to 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Although the E 350 felt swift and capable, during our Southern California testing loop it achieved 23.8 mpg, below the EPA's combined driving estimate of 27 mpg.

Our tester was equipped with the Airmatic Package, including an adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering system. This setup allowed the E-Class to glide over surfaces, even with staggered-width 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires. While the E-Class handled corners and curves adeptly, it truly excelled in delivering a quiet, comfortable, and soothing ride.

The Sentra provided a decent amount of interior space, especially for the driver and front passenger who enjoyed Nissan’s comfortable Zero Gravity seats. First-row headroom was on par with the Kia Forte and Mazda 3, but second-row legroom was lesser compared to competitors like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. The Sentra offered excellent forward visibility thanks to low window sills and a slim dashboard design. Thick rear roof pillars did not significantly impede rearward vision.

Front-seat occupants benefited from abundant room, with space for two large cupholders, a dedicated phone slot, and a small change slot. The All-Weather Package available on the SV and SR grades added features like heated front seats and steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors, remote engine start, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

In terms of cargo space, the Sentra's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet, surpassing the Mazda 3 and slightly edging out the Hyundai Elantra, but falling short of the Kia Forte and Honda Civic. A 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat helped accommodate longer items.

Although lacking the Multicontour Seating Package, our test E-Class still offered a luxurious and comfortable experience. The front seats, wrapped in various leather options including premium Nappa, were heated and power-operated, with ventilation available. A minor drawback was the unpadded center console, which could press uncomfortably against a leg.

The rear seat posed a bit of a challenge for entry and exit due to the intrusive rear wheel wells. Nevertheless, it provided decent leg support and a tall riding position for passengers, although accommodating three might be tight. Practical storage space abounded in the E-Class, with large door pockets, a hidden center console bin, and a spacious bin under the split-top center armrest.

Cargo capacity was superior in the E-Class, with a trunk offering 19.1 cubic feet of space according to Mercedes, albeit this figure seemed optimistic. Despite that, the trunk accommodated full-size suitcases stored on their sides, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat expanded capacity as needed.

Tech-wise, the Sentra felt serviceable but lagged behind rivals. The base Sentra S featured a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display with analog gauges. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (non-wireless), Bluetooth, a single front USB port, and a four-speaker audio system.

The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch instrument cluster display (retaining analog gauges), and a six-speaker audio system with SiriusXM compatibility. These trims also included a front USB-C port and a charge-only USB-A port. An eight-speaker Bose audio system was available with the Premium Package, along with Wi-Fi connectivity for the SR model. Despite this, the graphics on the screens appeared dated compared to competitors like the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte.

The E-Class was a technological marvel, featuring the latest MBUX infotainment system. The standard setup paired a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The digital instrumentation offered four themes: Sport, Classic, Navigation, and Assistance. Optionally, a head-up display projected a 9-inch image with key information.

Standard infotainment features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation with augmented reality technology. The MBUX system allowed for personalized driver profiles and programmable routines. Online music and video streaming, including platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube, were available, alongside a Vivaldi web browser.

Our test car's Superscreen Package added a passenger-side 12.3-inch touchscreen, a glass panel replacing the wood trim, and a dash-mounted video camera for selfies or conference calls via embedded Webex and Zoom apps. Despite its range of features, the MBUX system was intuitive and quick to respond, with a conversational digital assistant.

The IIHS had incomplete safety ratings for the 2024 Sentra. It received a “Good” rating in the original side-impact test but only "Acceptable" in the updated version. Front crash prevention was rated “Advanced” for daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian tests but “Basic” for nighttime scenarios. The NHTSA also didn’t publish complete ratings, but the Sentra earned five stars in rollover and side crash tests.

Standard safety features included forward collision warning, front and rear automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. SV and SR trims added adaptive cruise control, while a 360-degree camera system was available with the Premium Package.

Every E-Class came with a suite of safety features, with additional advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) packaged in the optional Driver Assistance Package for $1,950. This package included enhanced Pre-Safe features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and various lane-keeping and lane-changing systems.

We tested these ADAS extensively and found them mostly effective, though the lane-centering assist occasionally felt unsure on curvy roads. A notable feature was the Automatic Lane Change function, which worked well but was less trustworthy in fast-moving traffic. Technologies like Active Speed Limit Assist and Route-based Speed Adaptation sometimes braked the car unexpectedly when detecting speed limit changes, which could be disconcerting in busy areas.

Overall, ADAS features in the E-Class integrated well into everyday driving, with highlights like the adept lane-keeping assist system.