2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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 reputation as a handsome and elegant vehicle, available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible forms. The interior was a luxurious space filled with rich materials like polished woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, complemented by advanced technology such as dual 12-inch screens and a digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although boasting all-new body panels, retained a familiar silhouette that might not immediately distinguish it from its predecessor to the untrained eye. The Mk8 GTI was longer and lower, with a stable silhouette and unchanged wheelbase, ensuring nimble handling. The styling adhered to the classic GTI form, featuring a smooth hood, subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and a signature red accent line across the front. The GTI's aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The interior offered a driver-centric design with plaid cloth seats standard on base trims and Vienna leather on the Performance trim. The GTI's practicality was evident in its cargo space and rear-seat comfort, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes under the hood, transitioning 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 supplement the traditional 12-volt system. This setup provided additional power and torque, allowing for smoother and more efficient operation. The E450's 3.0-litre inline-six engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an overboost feature for extra performance. The AMG E53 variant added a second turbo, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG E63 S boasted a 4.0-litre V8 engine with 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Despite its performance capabilities, the E-Class prioritized comfort and stability, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The engine's design, with integrated exhaust headers, improved heat management and responsiveness. The GTI's power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's retuned suspension, with lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs, enhanced its handling capabilities. Various drive modes and a limited-slip differential contributed to the GTI's agility and cornering prowess. The GTI's fuel efficiency was competitive, with ratings of 9.3 L/100 km city and 7.0 highway for the automatic transmission.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and luxurious cabin, accommodating four adults comfortably. The interior featured redesigned infotainment controls, with a touchscreen and reshaped steering wheel touchpads. The E-Class provided ample headroom and legroom, with supportive cushions and thoughtful design elements like knee cutouts and a scalloped roof. The sedan offered 540 litres of trunk space, while the wagon provided up to 1,820 litres with seats folded. The E-Class Coupe and Convertible had more limited rear-seat space, but the wagon's stowable rear-facing jump seat added versatility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 977 litres with the seats folded. The GTI's driver-centric design included a centre stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy headlight and defogging adjustments. Rear-seat legroom was generous, providing comfort for passengers. The GTI's compact size and manoeuvrability made it suitable for urban driving and family use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with improved organization and functionality. Gesture controls, natural voice processing, and online searches enhanced the user experience. The system included features like live camera feeds with overlay arrows for navigation and massaging seats with side bolsters. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless, the E-Class offered a wireless phone charger and 4G WiFi. Optional driving assists provided semi-autonomous capabilities, although drivers were advised to remain in control.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on higher trims. Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with Bluetooth connectivity, ensured seamless integration. The GTI's infotainment system was powered by Volkswagen's Car-Net, offering remote access and vehicle monitoring features.

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

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered a comprehensive suite of safety features under the IQ.Drive umbrella, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Standard safety features included Park Distance Control, with the Performance trim offering Park Assist for automated parking. The GTI had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.