2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

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. The interior was a luxurious blend of rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, with intricate details like metal speaker grilles and elaborate stitching. The cabin was equipped with two 12-inch screens, a digital instrument panel, and a new steering wheel design, making it a modern and lavish space.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more dramatic styling than its predecessor, with a longer and wider body that gave it an upscale presence. The angular grille, inspired by the VW Arteon, added to its bold look, although some found it excessive for a compact sedan. Inside, the Jetta's cabin mirrored the exterior's angular design, offering a spacious and functional environment. The seats were comfortable for long drives, and the interior featured a mix of soft-touch surfaces and practical elements. The Jetta's layout emphasized functionality, with a blend of touchscreen functions and real buttons, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing usability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class saw a significant change with the introduction of electrified inline-six powertrains, replacing the conventional V6 engines. The E450 model became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to provide extra power and torque, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The E450's 3.0-litre I6 engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with additional overboost from the battery. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offering brisk acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. 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 AWD. Despite its power, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, though fuel efficiency was not its strong suit.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta featured a single engine option: a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder, producing 147 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Despite having slightly less power than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta offered a smooth and efficient driving experience, with the option of a 6-speed manual transmission on certain trims. The Jetta's steering was well-weighted and precise, providing a blend of smoothness and sportiness. It handled both city and highway driving with ease, offering a refined ride without sacrificing comfort. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with minimal difference between manual and automatic transmissions.

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, each with its own advantages in terms of space and functionality. The sedan provided 540 litres of trunk space, while the wagon offered up to 1,820 litres with seats folded. The coupe and convertible had less rear space, but the wagon's stowable rear-facing jump seat added versatility. Despite its luxury, some features like rear USB ports and heated rear seats were missing in certain trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's interior was designed for comfort and practicality. The front seats were supportive for long journeys, and the rear offered adequate legroom and headroom. The trunk provided 399 litres of space, typical for its class. The Jetta's layout emphasized ease of use, with a touchscreen positioned for optimal visibility and a larger centre tray for storage. The combination of touchscreen functions and physical controls made it user-friendly, appealing to those who value practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen interface and natural voice processing. The system offered gesture controls, live camera feeds with overlays, and various customization options for the digital instrument cluster. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, they were not wireless. The E-Class also included advanced driving assists, though full autonomy was not yet available. The system's numerous features and customization options made it a standout in terms of technology.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, offering Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display similar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. This allowed drivers to personalize the information displayed, including navigation. The inclusion of CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment was a significant advantage, providing navigation capabilities without requiring a higher trim level.

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 for the sedan. It featured innovative safety technologies like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during collisions. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating in IIHS crash tests, though its headlights were rated lower, preventing a Top Safety Pick designation.