2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

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 akin to the S-Class and C-Class models. This design philosophy, termed "sensual purity" by Mercedes' chief designer, Gorden Wagener, was evident in its elegant yet slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille. The rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights cutting into the trunk lid. The E-Class maintained its reputation for elegance across its sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible variants, despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament in favour of a more popular Sport style. The interior was a luxurious haven, featuring rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre accents, with intricate details like metal speaker grilles and ambient lighting that interacted with the car's settings. The dual 12-inch screens provided a modern touch, with the 2021 model introducing a digital instrument panel and new steering wheels that enhanced the car's futuristic feel.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried forward its modern, low-slung, coupe-like exterior, reminiscent of a downsized Altima. This design was a significant improvement over earlier models, offering a sleek and contemporary look. The Sentra was available in various bold colours, adding to its visual appeal. Inside, the Sentra's cabin was a highlight, with a modern yet simple layout that balanced form and function. The controls were user-friendly, and the centre dash featured a touchscreen as the focal point. The Sentra offered three trims—S, SV, and SR—each with varying features, from basic amenities in the S trim to more advanced options like an 8-inch touchscreen and intelligent cruise control in the SV and SR trims. The SR trim added sporty elements like 18-inch alloy wheels and unique bumper designs, with special editions like the Midnight Edition package offering dark accents for a distinctive look.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced a significant change with the transition 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 enhance power and torque briefly, allowing for more efficient engine operation and reduced emissions. Despite these advancements, the new I6 engine, with a single turbo, maintained the same output as the previous V6, delivering 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with additional power from the battery's overboost. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, boosting performance to 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, while the AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-litre V8, offered a staggering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The E-Class provided a balance of performance and comfort, with the AMG models offering exhilarating speed and handling without sacrificing ride quality. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the E450 and E350 offering better ratings than the AMG variants.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, it came standard with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with a CVT option available. The engine provided satisfactory performance for everyday driving, with the CVT managing power effectively. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering capabilities were commendable for a non-performance-focused car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, making the Sentra suitable for commuting and road trips. While not outstanding in any particular area, the Sentra offered consistent performance across different driving scenarios.

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 unique space configurations, such as the wagon's 640-litre cargo capacity and the sedan's 540-litre trunk space. The coupe and convertible models provided less rear seat space, with the convertible sacrificing some comfort for its elegant soft top. The E-Class All-Terrain wagon variant added versatility with increased ground clearance and rugged styling.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. While the trunk lacked a power-opening feature, it could be remotely opened via the key fob or a dashboard button. The Sentra's interior offered spacious seating for both front and rear passengers, with ample headroom and legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console provided additional storage options. The Sentra's practical design made it a suitable choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen interface and natural voice processing. The system offered various functions, including live camera feeds for navigation and optional extras like massaging seats and seat kinetics. While the system lacked over-the-air updates and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, it included standard features like a wireless phone charger and 4G WiFi. The E-Class also offered advanced driving assists, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with the SV and SR trims offering an 8-inch version. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy-to-navigate menus and conventional hard buttons for convenience. While the system lacked wireless connectivity options, it provided essential features for a non-luxury vehicle. The Sentra's infotainment system was user-friendly, though the graphics could benefit from an update.

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 innovative safety technologies, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side collision protection. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist options available.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra also received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. It came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor enhanced safety further.