2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite its modern redesign, was not considered particularly attractive, with its aggressive styling likened to "malevolent aliens." However, when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour, the Corolla presented a more appealing compact sedan appearance. The interior quality saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previously cheap plastics, although the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car status. The Corolla's pricing started at a base MSRP of $18,990, with various trims offering different features and efficiencies, such as the sportier SE or XSE trims and the fuel-efficient Hybrid LE.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution with a blend of smooth and edgier elements. The E-Class maintained its elegance across sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible forms, though the standing hood ornament was no longer available. The interior was a showcase of luxury, with rich materials like woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, and features like metal speaker grilles and ambient lighting. The E-Class offered a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom, though some features like rear USB ports and heated rear seats were missing in certain trims.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT and 16-inch wheels. The SE and XSE trims provided a more spirited drive with a 169-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine, a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters, and 18-inch wheels. The Corolla XSE's driving experience was sporty yet comfortable, thanks to its independent rear suspension, though it lacked the power for rapid acceleration. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 on the highway, with real-world testing averaging 7.9 L/100 km.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced electrified inline-six powertrains, with the E450 becoming a hybrid. The E450's 3.0-litre I6 engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with additional power from a 48-volt system. The AMG E53 added a second turbo, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, while the AMG E63 S boasted a 4.0-litre V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. The E-Class offered a balance of performance and comfort, with features like variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased AWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the E53 rated at 9.5 L/100 km combined and the E63 at 12.8 L/100 km.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, smaller than a Camry, provided adequate space for a family of four, though rear passengers faced discomfort due to the lack of rear air vents and USB ports. The front seats were comfortable, but the low seating position was a drawback for some. Storage was limited, with small cupholders and a trunk space of 371 litres, accommodating several bags and a stroller.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious cabin for four adults, with supportive cushions and ample headroom and legroom. The E-Class Coupe and convertible had usable rear seats, while the wagon provided significant cargo space of 640 litres, expandable to 1,820 litres. The sedan's trunk measured 540 litres. The E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with touchscreens and user-friendly controls, though mastering the dual screens required some learning.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen, volume and tuning knobs, and voice recognition. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display and additional services like SiriusXM and Remote Connect.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced the MBUX system, with a touchscreen interface, gesture controls, and natural voice processing. The system included features like live camera feeds, massaging seats, and seat kinetics. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless, the E-Class offered a wireless phone charger and various connected services. Optional driving assists provided semi-autonomous capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The Corolla received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. Blind-spot monitoring was standard on most trims, though rear cross-traffic alert was not included.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was highly rated for safety, with a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The E-Class featured innovations like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during collisions. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.