2021 Dodge Charger vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, maintained its appeal through a variety of models, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger continued to attract buyers with its wide range of variants, each offering subtle differences in styling and performance. The car's exterior, available in both regular and widebody formats, featured options like 20-inch wheels and distinctive paint colours, enhancing its muscular stance. However, the interior lagged in terms of modern comfort and convenience features, with a mix of hard plastics and dated technology, making it feel more utilitarian than luxurious.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a sophisticated and versatile lineup, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, showcased Mercedes' commitment to luxury and performance, with its sleek design and high-end materials. The interior was a testament to modern luxury, featuring digital displays, premium leather, and advanced technology. The E-Class excelled in providing a comfortable and refined driving experience, with features like heated seats and a neck-warming system, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions. The E-Class's design and interior quality set it apart as a symbol of elegance and innovation.

The 2021 Dodge Charger offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine in the SXT and GT models, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. The R/T variant featured a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, housed a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, generating an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Hellcat Redeye managed to offer a controlled driving experience, though it was the least fuel-efficient option. The Charger featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on select trims.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was powered by a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a robust response across a wide rev range, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured efficient power delivery. The E53 Cabriolet featured AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced the driving experience, making the E53 a versatile performer, whether cruising along a coastal highway or tackling mountain roads.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality, offering a spacious back seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional cargo space. The interior, while functional, showed its age with dated technology and materials. The steering wheel provided easy access to in-car functions, though paddle shifters could be accidentally engaged during spirited driving. Overall, the Charger offered average cargo space compared to other large sedans.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet, a true four-passenger convertible, prioritized front-seat comfort with features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming system. The sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats ensured comfort in hot weather, while the triple-layer acoustic soft top maintained a quiet cabin. The E53 Cabriolet's trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top up, though this was significantly reduced when the top was down. The interior featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance fragrance system, enhancing long-distance comfort.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control. Optional upgrades included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked the latest version available in other Dodge models. The absence of a head-up display and the use of interchangeable switchgear contributed to a lower-tech feel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system, featuring two 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system offered multiple interaction methods, including voice commands and touch-sensing buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. Upgrades like Wi-Fi service and augmented reality navigation enhanced the user experience. The MBUX system was intuitive, though its extensive menu structure required some acclimation.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional safety packages included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning. The 2020 model, structurally similar to the 2021 version, received mostly "Good" ratings from the IIHS but "Poor" marks for headlights.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The E-Class Cabriolet also featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound systems prepared occupants for potential collisions. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and rear collision preparation. The test car's adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist were particularly impressive, enhancing safety and convenience.