2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution from its predecessor, adopting a more fluid and curvier form reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models. This design philosophy, termed "sensual purity" by Mercedes' chief designer, Gorden Wagener, was evident in the E-Class's elegant and handsome appearance. The 2021 model introduced edgier elements, such as squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while maintaining a conservative and reserved exterior. Inside, the E-Class offered a luxurious cabin with rich materials like polished woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, complemented by intricate details such as metal speaker grilles and elaborate stitching. The dual 12-inch screens provided a modern touch, with the digital display replacing analog gauges, enhancing the car's lavish and contemporary feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX presented a sporty and assertive design, characterized by a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, with its distinctive pattern radiating from the Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights added to its bold appearance. The TLX's interior mirrored this attention to detail, offering a "sport sedan cockpit" with authentic materials like metal, leather, and open-pore wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, contributing to the car's cohesive and visually appealing design. The TLX's cabin was designed for comfort and functionality, with tight gaps, matching fonts, and a well-thought-out layout that enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes under the hood, transitioning from conventional V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains for its high-volume models. The E450 became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to supplement the traditional 12-volt system. This setup included a small lithium-ion battery powering an electric starter-generator, providing brief boosts of up to 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The E450's 3.0-litre inline-six engine, with a single turbo, produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering a quiet and efficient performance. The AMG E53 variant added a second turbo, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with brisk acceleration and a refined exhaust note. The AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-litre V8 engine, boasted 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience with advanced features like variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Acura TLX, on the other hand, focused on sporty performance with its new turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The TLX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems, enhancing its driving dynamics. Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring was standard, providing excellent handling and stability. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes, adjusting the car's performance characteristics accordingly. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers, further enhancing the TLX's nimble and balanced ride. The TLX's performance was complemented by its solid and substantial feel, with improved torsional stiffness and rigidity over its predecessor.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, accommodating four adults with ample headroom and legroom. The redesigned infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen interface, improved user-friendliness, although mastering the dual screens required some learning. The E-Class provided various seating configurations, with the sedan offering 540 litres of trunk space, while the coupe and convertible had 405 litres. The wagon variant, with its stowable rear-facing jump seat, offered 640 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,820 litres with seats folded. Despite its luxurious features, some amenities like rear USB ports and heated rear seats were absent in the E53 model.

The 2021 Acura TLX prioritized functionality with its shift-by-wire transmission, allowing for a reimagined centre console design. The transmission controls, inspired by the NSX, were conveniently placed, freeing up space for the infotainment interface and cupholders. The TLX's interior featured comfortable sport bucket seats with Ultrasuede or perforated leather options, offering 12-way or 16-way power adjustability. The rear seat provided adequate space for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The TLX's trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, with a wide opening and ample depth for practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen interface with improved organization and functionality. Gesture controls, natural voice processing, and online searches enhanced user interaction, while features like live camera feeds and massaging seats added to the luxury experience. The system offered various display options for the instrument cluster, allowing customization of the car's appearance. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and 4G WiFi, with optional driving assists providing advanced safety and convenience.

The 2021 Acura TLX boasted a range of performance and comfort technologies, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured technologies like Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control, optimizing performance in various driving conditions. The TLX's interior offered ambient lighting themes, customizable to match the drive modes or personal preferences. The ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system, available on higher trims, delivered exceptional sound quality. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with the Platinum Elite grade offering a head-up display and additional features like a G-Metre and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS. The E-Class sedan and wagon excelled in crash tests, with innovative features like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation enhancing occupant protection. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional driver-assist features available.

The 2021 Acura TLX also prioritized safety, receiving a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The TLX featured a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a multi-angle rear-view camera system. New for 2021 were the next-generation front-passenger airbag, pedestrian sensing, and traffic-sign recognition.