Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, a member of the midsize-sedan category, was often overshadowed by its competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Available in six trim levels, the Legacy maintained a design closely aligned with the Subaru Outback, sharing many features from the B-pillar forward. This included a matching fascia, headlight design, and dashboard setup. For 2021, Subaru enhanced the Legacy with standard steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. While its design wasn't particularly striking, it adhered to Subaru's brand ethos of safety and reliability, with subtle touches like high-gloss stainless steel moldings adding a hint of flair. The Legacy's interior was understated, featuring a mix of high-quality materials and piano black plastic, with options for leather upholstery and other premium touches.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, showcased a blend of luxury and performance, with a base price of $85,400 and options pushing it close to $110,000. The E-Class exuded a modern design purity, especially when equipped with AMG styling and a matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the E53 Cabriolet was a testament to luxury, featuring high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather. The car's design was both elegant and functional, catering to those who appreciated both style and substance.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the Limited XT and Touring XT trims, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, and AWD was standard, providing stability over rough terrain. The Legacy's steering was well-balanced, though it required lane-centering technology for optimal highway performance. Fuel economy was commendable, with the base engine achieving 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the turbo engine managed 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 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 offered multiple driving modes, allowing it to transition from a comfortable cruiser to a dynamic performer. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system further enhanced its driving experience, making it suitable for both leisurely drives and spirited journeys.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy prioritized comfort with improved seat positioning and sound insulation. The five-seater offered ample rear legroom, though cargo space was limited to 15.1 cubic feet. Heated and ventilated seats were available, enhancing comfort for long trips. The Legacy's cabin felt spacious, akin to a full-size car, with good forward visibility.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with a focus on front-seat comfort. Standard features included heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system. The triple-layer acoustic soft top provided insulation from heat and noise. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of space with the top up, reducing when the top was down. The E53 Cabriolet's interior was luxurious, with multi-contour seats and an Air Balance fragrance system.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch displays on the base model, with an 11.6-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4.2-inch meter display. Higher trims offered additional USB ports, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system, while functional, lacked sophistication in its design.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens. The system was intuitive, with multiple interaction methods, including voice control. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for WiFi and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester audio system provided exceptional sound quality, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy was lauded for its safety, earning top scores from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard features included Subaru EyeSight technology, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Additional options included reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The E-Class Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhancing safety and convenience.