2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Toyota Camry

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 received updates such as squinted headlights, an inverted trapezoid grille, and horizontal taillights, giving it a slightly edgier appearance. Despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament, the E-Class maintained its reputation as a handsome and elegant vehicle, available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible forms. Inside, the E-Class offered a luxurious cabin with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre accents, complemented by advanced technology like dual 12-inch screens and a digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly the TRD model, caught attention with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint and performance-oriented design. The Camry TRD featured an aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, and red accents, giving it a sporty and aggressive look. While the Camry's design was polarizing, it marked a departure from the traditionally conservative styling of previous Camry models. Inside, the Camry TRD offered a driver-oriented centre console and an unusual dashboard layout. However, some interior elements, like the red gauge illumination and embroidery, were considered tacky. Despite these quirks, the Camry TRD provided a unique and bold appearance that stood out in its segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain lineup, with the E450 model adopting an electrified inline-six engine. This hybrid system, featuring a 48-volt electrical system, provided additional power and torque for brief moments, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The E450's 3.0-litre inline-six engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with overboost available for extra performance. The AMG E53 model added a second turbocharger, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG E63 S boasted a hand-built 4.0-litre V8 engine with 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. The E-Class offered a range of driving modes, from Comfort to Sport+, providing a balance between performance and comfort. However, fuel efficiency on the AMG models was less impressive, with ratings of 9.5 L/100 km combined for the E53 sedan.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Camry TRD offered a Sport transmission mode and paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. Despite its sporty design, the Camry TRD achieved a fuel consumption rating of 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The TRD model boasted track-tuned driving dynamics, with enhanced torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension components, and larger brakes. While the Camry TRD delivered impressive performance for its price, the lack of all-wheel drive limited its traction capabilities. Nevertheless, the Camry TRD provided a solid and planted feel on the road, making it enjoyable to drive on winding routes.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and luxurious cabin, accommodating four adults comfortably. The interior featured supportive cushions, ample headroom, and legroom, with knee cutouts on the seatbacks and a scalloped roof for taller passengers. However, some features like rear USB ports and heated rear seats were absent in the E53 model. The E-Class Coupe provided usable rear seats, while the convertible's rear seats were less accommodating due to the folding soft top. The wagon variant offered a stowable rear-facing jump seat and generous cargo space, with 640 litres available or 1,820 litres with all seats folded. The sedan's trunk measured 540 litres, while the two-door models offered 405 litres of cargo space.

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured front seats with red accent stripes, stitching, and embroidered TRD logos, but lacked additional bolstering. Despite this, the Camry TRD provided a low-slung, sporty driving position, with fabric seat inserts and a tall centre console contributing to a stable ride. The back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, although the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a 60/40-split folding back seat. The fixed rear seatback limited cargo flexibility, with the trunk offering 428 litres of space. However, the Camry compensated with generous in-cabin storage, including a large bin under the centre armrest.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with improved organization and shortcut buttons for major functions. Gesture control and natural voice processing enhanced user interaction, while features like live camera feeds and massaging seats added to the luxury experience. However, the system lacked over-the-air updates, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless. The E-Class offered a range of driving assists, including lane-changing and curve-slowing capabilities, although full autonomy was not yet available. The instrument cluster provided customizable displays, allowing drivers to choose between traditional and modern graphics.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The TRD model included a 9-inch touchscreen display with additional subscription plans and a JBL premium audio system. While the sound quality was bass-heavy, it was considered decent for the price. The Camry TRD lacked dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition technology, but drivers could use Siri or Google Assistant via smartphone integration. Other Camry models offered additional features like a head-up display and surround-view monitoring, but these were not available on the TRD.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. The E-Class featured advanced safety innovations, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during side collisions. 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 2022 Toyota Camry came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assist and collision avoidance features. The Camry TRD and XSE models included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. While the lane-departure warning system occasionally issued false warnings, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Safety Connect offered additional features like automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.