2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan segment with its bold and distinctive design, a result of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles, along with the unique Z-shaped dent in the doors, gave it a character that broke conventional automotive design rules. This design choice, as explained by Hyundai's senior designer Davis Lee, was intended to make the Elantra stand out, and it indeed worked to its benefit. The Elantra's interior also impressed, especially in the Ultimate trim with its modern and upscale look, featuring light gray seats and dashboard that contrasted with the black cabin, offering a Scandinavian feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class exuded luxury and sophistication, available in various body styles including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, showcased a perfect blend of design purity and performance. Its matte-blue paint finish, AMG styling, and larger wheels added to its visual appeal. Inside, the E-Class Cabriolet was a haven of luxury with high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and premium leather, making it a sensory delight. The E-Class was designed to cater to both driving enthusiasts and those seeking comfort, with its dual personality evident in its ability to transform from a quiet cruiser to a dynamic performer on mountain roads.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, from the standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower to the high-performance Elantra N with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine generating 276 horsepower. The standard engine, paired with a CVT, provided adequate power for urban driving but felt underpowered on highways. The Elantra Hybrid, with its 1.6-litre engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it fell short of expected numbers in mountainous terrain. The Elantra N Line, with its 201-horsepower turbocharged engine, offered a sporty driving experience, while the Elantra N stood out with its dynamic performance, featuring an electronic limited-slip differential and customizable driving modes.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet, on the other hand, 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, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD, ensured robust performance with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced its driving dynamics, allowing it to transition seamlessly from a comfortable cruiser to a spirited performer on twisty roads. The car's dual personality was evident in its ability to provide a quiet and cushy ride or a thrilling driving experience, depending on the driver's preference.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The driver's seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, ensuring comfort for the driver. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and the use of hard plastic on the upper door panels were drawbacks. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, and the car featured heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system for added comfort. The trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top up, but this was significantly reduced with the top down. The E53 Cabriolet's interior was a testament to luxury, with multi-contour front seats, massage functions, and an Air Balance fragrance system enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Ultimate trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrument cluster, though it required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The system included a dynamic voice recognition system and a Sounds of Nature function, while a Bose premium audio system was available for enhanced sound quality.

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 was user-friendly, with multiple interaction options including voice commands, touch controls, and steering wheel buttons. MBUX offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. The test car also included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, providing an exceptional audio experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Most models came with Hyundai's SmartSense ADAS, including features like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist, providing a high level of safety for a compact car.

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. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for a collision and protecting occupants' hearing. The optional Driver Assistance Package added features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, enhancing the car's safety capabilities.