2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Nissan Altima presented a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, adorned with the Nissan logo. Its overall shape was sleek and aerodynamic, featuring a sloping "coupe-like" roofline. The body design leaned more towards folds than curves, giving it a taut appearance, though the stance was somewhat ungainly due to the overhangs. Despite this, modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept the Altima looking contemporary. The fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details, available in six exterior colours with premium options.

Inside, the Altima's dashboard was uncluttered and intelligently laid out, featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. The instrument panel was designed to be easily readable in various lighting conditions. While the base model felt a bit stripped-down, higher trims offered improved interior materials, adding stitching to the dash and seats. The Altima was a testament to getting what you pay for, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, available in various body styles, offered a range of engine options, including the AMG E53 model with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine and EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. This engine produced 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, providing robust performance with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system enhanced the driving experience, with multiple driving modes available.

The E53 Cabriolet featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. It was a versatile vehicle, offering a quiet and comfortable ride for leisurely drives, while also capable of spirited performance on winding roads. The convertible's design allowed for three-season driving, with features like heated wiper blades and a comprehensive AWD system for winter use.

The 2021 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and featured standard AWD, a rarity among mid-size sedans in Canada. The AWD system was front-wheel biased but could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. Fuel consumption ratings were 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined for the base model, with slightly higher figures for the SR and Platinum trims. The Altima's suspension setup included four-wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bars, providing decent feedback and feel.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The engine offered maximum power and torque across a wide rev range, ensuring a responsive driving experience. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system delivered power efficiently, with multiple driving modes available. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, enhanced its dynamic capabilities. The convertible was versatile, offering a comfortable ride for leisurely drives and spirited performance on winding roads.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. Standard features included power adjustment and front seat heating, with additional options like position memory and leather appointments on higher trims. The front cabin offered ample storage, including a large glovebox, centre console storage, and door pockets. The rear seats provided sufficient headroom and legroom for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The trunk offered 436 litres of cargo space.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating and an Aircap system to reduce cabin turbulence. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats and steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. Sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats were available for hot weather. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped maintain a cool and quiet cabin. The trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top raised, reduced to about half with the top down.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came with standard tech features like Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and a rear-view camera. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch advanced Drive-Assist display. Higher trims included SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose audio system, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic access.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens, offering high-resolution displays. Interaction options included touchscreen, physical controls, digital voice assistant, and steering wheel touch-sensing buttons. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like Wi-Fi service and augmented reality navigation. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. The MBUX system was praised for its functionality, though it required acclimation to its menu structure.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist was available on the Platinum grade, providing highway driving assistance. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The E-Class Cabriolet had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for potential collisions. The Driver Assistance Package offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The package was praised for its effectiveness, particularly the adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist.