2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution that embraced the "sensual purity" theme, moving away from the sharper angles of its predecessor. This model featured a more fluid and curvier form, reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models from earlier years. The E-Class had a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights. Despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament, the E-Class maintained its elegant and handsome appearance across its various body styles, including sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible. The interior was a luxurious haven, adorned with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, complemented by intricate details like metal speaker grilles and ambient lighting. The dual 12-inch screens and new steering wheels added a modern touch, making the E-Class's cabin unmatched in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution from its original bland design to a sharper, sportier look. Available in three trims in Canada, the Altima featured Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and sporty enhancements, elevated the Altima's appearance. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, providing a premium feel. However, the quality varied across trims, with higher trims offering better materials. The Altima's design was practical, but it didn't stand out significantly from its competitors, maintaining a centrist position in terms of dimensions and features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced electrified inline-six powertrains, replacing conventional V6 engines. The E450 became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to enhance power and efficiency. This system provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, allowing the engine to shut off more frequently to save fuel. The E450's 3.0-litre I6 engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, with overboost available. The AMG E53 added a second turbo, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, offering brisk acceleration and a refined ride. The AMG E63 S, with its 4.0-litre V8, produced 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, transforming the E-Class into a high-performance machine. Despite its power, the E-Class maintained comfort and stability, with fuel efficiency ratings of 9.2 to 12.8 L/100 km, depending on the model.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's performance was modest, the Altima's standard all-wheel drive was a notable feature for a midsize sedan. The Xtronic CVT, paired with the engine, provided smooth but uninspiring acceleration. However, the Altima excelled in ride comfort, thanks to its excellent suspension and quiet cabin. Despite its lack of strong performance, the Altima offered a refined driving experience, akin to Infiniti levels of comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for four adults. The redesigned infotainment system and touchscreens enhanced usability, though mastering the dual screens required some learning. The E-Class offered various body styles, each with unique features, such as the wagon's stowable rear-facing jump seat and the coupe's comfortable rear seats. Trunk space varied, with the sedan offering 540 litres and the wagon providing up to 1,820 litres with seats folded. The E-Class's interior was luxurious, but some features, like rear USB ports and heated rear seats, were missing in certain trims.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its competitors, offering a balanced approach to space and practicality. The Altima's trunk measured 437 litres, and its fuel tank was the largest among its peers. However, rear visibility was compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima was a competent midsize sedan.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, offering a touch-responsive main screen and improved menu organization. Gesture controls, natural voice processing, and online searches enhanced user experience. The system included features like live camera feeds for navigation and massaging seats with side bolsters. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren't wireless, the E-Class offered a wireless phone charger and various connected services. Optional driving assists provided advanced features, though the system didn't update over-the-air. The instrument cluster offered customizable displays, adding a modern touch to the E-Class's tech offerings.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It supported Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with features like Siri Eyes Free and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered navigation, remote engine start, and a Bose premium audio system. The Altima's tech included traffic sign recognition, an Around View Monitor, and ProPilot Assist, which assisted with acceleration, steering, and braking. The system worked flawlessly, providing a seamless tech experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a leader in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS. It featured innovations like Pre-Safe Sound and side collision protection. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with optional driver-assist features available.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS. The Altima's crash avoidance and mitigation features were highly rated, making it a safe choice for a midsize sedan.