2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, was a departure from its predecessor's sharper angles, adopting a more fluid and curvier 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 its elegant and handsome appearance, whether as a sedan, wagon, coupe, or convertible. The E-Class featured new bumpers, exhaust tips, and wheels, with a slightly edgier front and a more traditional rear. However, the standing hood ornament was no longer available, replaced by a large star emblem in the grille, which some found gaudy. The interior was a luxurious blend of rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, with intricate details like metal speaker grilles and ambient lighting, creating a lavish and modern cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to shed its past image of being a generic midsize sedan by incorporating more exciting styling elements. The design included flared wheel arches and thin headlights and taillights, which visually widened the car. However, the SE and XSE trims featured fake vents that added visual clutter. The interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of trim elements and materials that lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite this, the Camry offered a comfortable and supportive seating experience, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was average for the segment, and the inclusion of analog controls for key functions improved usability, although some controls were awkwardly placed.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain lineup, with the E450 model transitioning to a hybrid system featuring a 48-volt electrical system. This setup provided additional power and torque for brief moments, allowing the engine to shut off more frequently to save fuel and reduce emissions. The E450's 3.0-litre inline-six engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with overboost available. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offering brisk acceleration and a refined driving experience. The AMG E63 S, with its 4.0-litre V8 engine, produced 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a high-performance variant with advanced features like variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased all-wheel drive. Despite its performance capabilities, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, with fuel efficiency ratings of 9.2 to 12.8 L/100 km depending on the model.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 to 206 horsepower, depending on the trim and drivetrain. The Camry also offered a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, providing a more powerful option. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist, delivering 208 hp. The SE Nightshade Edition, with its base four-cylinder engine and AWD, surprised with its eager-to-rev nature and enjoyable driving dynamics. The Camry's chassis tuning struck a balance between handling and ride quality, offering a fun driving experience without sacrificing comfort. The TRD package, available with the V6 engine, added performance-oriented upgrades for those seeking a sportier ride. The AWD system, derived from the RAV4, provided additional traction when needed.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, making everyday tasks more intuitive. The cabin was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. The E-Class offered various body styles, including a coupe with usable rear seats and a wagon with a stowable rear-facing jump seat and generous cargo space. The sedan provided 540 litres of trunk space, while the two-door models offered 405 litres. The E-Class All-Terrain wagon added ground clearance and plastic body cladding for a more rugged appearance.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, although front space was slightly below average. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was 428 litres, typical for a midsize sedan, but less than the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. The Camry featured analog controls for key functions, improving usability, although some controls were awkwardly placed. Dual-zone automatic climate control was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen interface with improved organization and natural voice processing. The system included features like gesture control, live camera feeds with overlay arrows, and massaging seats with side bolsters. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, they were not wireless. Optional driving assists allowed for limited autonomous driving capabilities. The instrument cluster offered customizable displays, providing a modern and engaging experience.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on the XSE and XLE trims. The infotainment system was functional and easy to navigate, although the graphics were plain. USB ports and a 12-volt outlet were standard, but additional plug-in options were not available on higher trims.

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

The 2021 Toyota Camry also received top safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Camry came standard with the TSS 2.5+ package, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features for 2021 included enhanced capabilities for existing safety systems and a Rear Seat Reminder to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as options.