2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, reminiscent of its predecessors, boasted a smooth, rounded body that echoed the design language of the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Despite its streamlined appearance, which some critics felt could use a few more edges, the E-Class maintained a respectable and recognizable presence within the Mercedes family. Available in various body styles, including sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, the E-Class catered to a conservative clientele. The sedan, with its traditional hood ornament and chrome grille, exuded a sense of luxury, while the sport grille with a prominent Mercedes emblem was more common. The vehicle's LED lighting, from the twin running lamps to the tail lights, added a delicate touch, and its proportions, whether on 17-inch wheels or 20s with ground effects, always struck a visual balance.

Inside, the E-Class cabriolet particularly shone with its contrasting soft top and luxurious interior. The cabin, when specified with multi-tone leathers and polished wood, was a delight, featuring two feet of high-resolution digital screens stretching across the dash. Industrial elements like circular air vents and silver toggles for climate control complemented the modern touchpads and thumbpads. The ambient lighting, available in 64 colors, added to the ambiance, while features like heated armrests and massaging seats enhanced comfort. Even the base model, with its leatherette and standard seats, felt a cut above its competitors.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza, in contrast, adopted a more conservative design approach compared to its predecessors. While it lacked distinct Subaru identifiers, it still presented a handsome appearance. Both the sedan and hatchback featured sleek headlights and taillights, enhancing their width, and a tapered front end. Subtle scalloping added flair to the body sides, and the previous generation's awkward wheel arch design was toned down. The Impreza Sport models received specific styling touches, including 18-inch alloy wheels, while base models came with 16-inch steel wheels.

Built on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with models like the Legacy, Outback, and Forester, the Impreza benefited from improved refinement. The interior, though not the most exciting, was typical for compact cars, with the infotainment touchscreen dividing the dashboard. The Impreza Sport featured contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and LED headlights. Despite its simplicity, the Impreza's interior was functional and well-suited for daily driving.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350, which replaced the E300. The E350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The revised turbo design and shorter intake runners improved response, although the E350's performance above 40 mph was less impressive. For those seeking more power, the E450's 3.0-liter V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque provided a more balanced and effortless driving experience. The AMG models, including the E53 and E63 S, offered even more power, with the E53's hybrid setup delivering 429 horsepower and the E63 S's twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower. Fuel economy varied depending on the powertrain, with estimates ranging from 19 to 32 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza came equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This engine, mounted lower in the chassis, contributed to a lower center of gravity. Most Impreza models featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while a five-speed manual was available on select trims. The Impreza Sport offered model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for improved handling. While the Impreza provided a comfortable ride, its steering lacked communication, and the engine's power was modest compared to competitors like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. However, the Impreza's solid and refined feel made it a pleasant daily driver.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while equipped with a complex COMAND infotainment system, offered a spacious and functional interior. The system, though not touchscreen, required multiple steps for various functions, which could be distracting. However, the E-Class excelled in practicality, with features like seat controls on the door panels and a front passenger seat that slid forward for extra rear space. The coupe provided a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. The digital dash, when set up correctly, offered clear and high-resolution displays, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza, available in sedan and hatchback forms, provided reasonable legroom but slightly below-average headroom. The sedan's trunk space was limited at 12.3 cubic feet, but the hatchback offered 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Impreza's interior featured practical elements like a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and standard roof rails on higher trims. The All-Weather Package, available on Premium and higher trims, included heated front seats, a heated windshield, and heated mirrors, enhancing comfort in colder climates.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system capable of steering, lane changes, and obstacle avoidance. The optional Driver Assistance Package added numerous features, while the V2X system communicated with nearby Mercedes models about road conditions. The infotainment system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with customizable displays and a Burmester stereo for an enhanced audio experience. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, added novelty, while the Track Pace app catered to performance enthusiasts.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza featured a user-friendly infotainment system, with base and Premium trims offering a 6.5-inch touchscreen and higher trims an 8-inch screen. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. An optional package for the Limited trim added navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The secondary display provided additional information, though its redundancy was noted. Overall, the Impreza's infotainment system was straightforward and easy to use, with large icons and minimal menu navigation required.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and collision-avoidance systems. The coupe and cabriolet models, though untested, were expected to perform similarly. Mercedes' safety innovations included Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during collisions, and crosswind countermeasures. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with high crash test scores but only a Marginal rating for standard headlights. The Limited trim's headlights received a Good rating. The NHTSA awarded the Impreza a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight safety suite, standard on CVT-equipped models, included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as options.