2021 Dodge Charger vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, was a refined evolution from its predecessor, adopting a more fluid and curvaceous design 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 silhouette. The 2021 model introduced subtle yet impactful changes, such as squinted headlights and a trapezoid grille, giving it a slightly edgier appearance. Despite these updates, the E-Class maintained its reputation as a sophisticated and reserved vehicle, with its interior offering a luxurious experience. The cabin was adorned with rich materials like polished woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, complemented by advanced features such as metal speaker grilles and ambient lighting, creating an inviting and opulent atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple of the seventh generation since 2011, retained its muscular and aggressive stance, appealing to those who appreciated its "brotherhood of muscle" ethos. The Charger offered a wide range of variants, including the SXT, GT, R/T, Scat Pack, and the formidable SRT Hellcat Redeye. While the exterior design remained largely unchanged over the years, the Charger continued to exude a bold presence on the road. The interior, however, lagged behind in terms of modernity and luxury, with a focus on functionality rather than opulence. The fit and finish improved over time, but the use of hard plastics and rubberized surfaces was evident. Despite this, the Charger provided ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families seeking a powerful yet spacious sedan.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes under the hood, particularly with the transition from V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains. The E450 model became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to enhance performance and efficiency. This system provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, allowing for smoother and more efficient operation. The E450's 3.0-litre inline-six engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offering a quiet and refined driving experience. The AMG E53 variant added a second turbocharger, boosting output to 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, delivering brisk acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. The AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-litre V8 engine, produced an impressive 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, making it a true performance powerhouse. Despite its performance capabilities, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced suspension and all-wheel-drive system.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, known for its performance prowess, offered a range of engine options to suit different preferences. The base models, including the SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The Charger R/T stepped up the performance with a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine, producing 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. The Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 engine, generating 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. At the top of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye featured a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8 engine, producing a staggering 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque. While the Charger excelled in straight-line speed and power, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, particularly in the high-performance variants. The Charger offered a connected driving experience with configurable drive modes and performance-oriented features, making it a thrilling choice for enthusiasts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, accommodating four adults with ample headroom and legroom. The seats were supportive, and the interior was thoughtfully designed with user-friendly controls and features. The E-Class sedan provided 540 litres of trunk space, while the wagon variant offered even more cargo capacity, with 640 litres or 1,820 litres with the seats folded. The coupe and convertible models, while stylish, had less rear-seat space, with the convertible sacrificing some practicality for its elegant folding soft top. The E-Class All-Terrain wagon added versatility with increased ground clearance and rugged styling elements.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, offered a spacious interior with comfortable accommodations for families. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design, expanding the already generous trunk space for additional storage. While the Charger's interior technology was somewhat dated, it provided essential features and easy-to-use controls. The steering wheel offered convenient access to in-car functions, and paddle shifters were available on most models. The Charger's cargo space was average for its class, but its practicality and performance made it a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful yet family-friendly sedan.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the advanced MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with intuitive controls and natural voice processing. The system provided a seamless user experience, with features like gesture control, live camera feeds, and customizable instrument cluster displays. While the system lacked over-the-air updates and wireless smartphone integration, it offered a range of connected services and optional driving assists, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came equipped with a standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering basic features like push-button start, rearview camera, and smartphone integration. Higher trim levels offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and additional connectivity options. While the Uconnect system was user-friendly, some functions were buried in menus, and the lack of a head-up display limited navigation usability. Despite these limitations, the Charger's technology package provided essential features for a modern driving experience.

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+" designation from the IIHS. The E-Class offered a range of innovative safety technologies, including Pre-Safe Sound, side collision protection, and advanced driver-assist features. While some safety features were optional, the E-Class provided a comprehensive suite of safety systems to ensure peace of mind on the road.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2020 model earning "Good" crashworthiness ratings from the IIHS. The Charger came standard with essential safety features like brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional safety packages added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing the Charger's safety credentials.