2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence compared to its predecessor, with a slightly longer and wider body, maintaining the same height. Its design featured a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, offering a more dramatic appearance than the previous generation's staid look. Inside, the Jetta continued the angular design language, creating a cabin that was both spacious and functional, with a premium feel thanks to soft-touch surfaces and comfortable seating. The Jetta was available in Comfortline, Highline, and Execline trims, with the base Comfortline trim surprisingly well-equipped, including features like 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The E-Class sedans came with an E350 model designation, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants were equipped with a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six and EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, which was evaluated, showcased a luxurious design with matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim. The E-Class was known for its design purity, with AMG styling, intricate wheels, and a convertible top enhancing its appeal. Inside, the E53 Cabriolet featured high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather, exuding luxury and comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having 3 fewer horsepower than the previous engine, it felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission, which replaced the previous six-speed automatic. The Jetta's engine and transmission combination allowed for smooth acceleration from a stop and efficient power delivery at higher speeds. The Jetta's steering was well-weighted and precise, offering a blend of smooth and sporty handling, similar to an entry-level BMW 3 Series. The ride was surprisingly soft over rough roads, providing a refined yet comfortable driving experience. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with the manual transmission achieving 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined, and the automatic at 7.1 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The engine provided robust throttle response across a wide rev range, with an acceleration time of 4.6 seconds to 100 kilometres per hour. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was effectively delivered to the pavement. The E53 Cabriolet offered multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, allowing for a versatile driving experience. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced the car's dynamic capabilities, while the optional 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires provided excellent grip. The E53 Cabriolet excelled as both a comfortable cruiser and a spirited performer, with its dual personality shining through in various driving conditions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats suitable for long trips, with adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. The trunk space was 399 litres, which was average for the class. The interior layout was practical, with the touchscreen positioned above the climate vents for easy access, and the shifter placement allowed for a larger centre tray. The Jetta's controls blended touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials, emphasizing practicality and ease of use.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, providing comfort for adults in both the front and rear seats. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence when the top was down, and the focus was on driver and front passenger comfort. Standard features included heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The test car also had rapid-heating front seats, heated armrests, and ventilated front seats. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped maintain a cool and quiet cabin. The multi-contour front seats with massage and Air Balance interior fragrance system added to the luxury experience. With the top raised, the trunk held 360 litres of cargo, but this was reduced by half with the top down.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. This allowed drivers to use navigation apps without needing to upgrade to a higher trim. The Execline trim offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a full-colour digital display that replaced the conventional instrument panel, allowing for personalization and navigation display projection.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, known for its complexity and ease of use. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of MBUX, providing high-resolution displays. Interaction with MBUX was possible through the touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, or steering wheel touch-sensing buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available. The MBUX system was customizable, but its broad menu structure required some acclimation.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a full array of safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline grade added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline included additional driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The Jetta received a Good rating in all IIHS crash tests but did not earn a Top Safety Pick due to its headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Jetta a five-star safety rating.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features such as forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for a collision and protecting hearing during an impact. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. The optional Driver Assistance Package added features like adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and Pre Safe Plus, enhancing the car's safety capabilities.