2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. Volkswagen maintained the basic body shell but altered every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. With its rounded-off corners, the Passat evoked the aerodynamic efficiency of the jellybean sedans of the 1990s, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) on Execline models.

Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls rather than large digital screens. The dashboard was short and low, enhancing forward visibility, while a low beltline improved side visibility. However, the flat-bottomed steering wheel seemed out of place in this un-sporty car. Some buyers might have found the interior plain, with silver-coloured plastic trim and leatherette upholstery, but the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's value-oriented market positioning.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class showcased a cohesive exterior design, incorporating elements from other Mercedes models. The front end mirrored the CLA-Class, while the squared-off rear and thin taillights were reminiscent of the S-Class. The cab-rearward proportions, with a long hood and short rear deck, emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, distinguishing it from the front-wheel-drive CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to the Mercedes Digital Light system, which adjusted to curves and projected warning icons.

Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the S-Class, featuring a freestanding touchscreen and instrument cluster, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system. The ambient lighting with 64 colours added to the luxurious feel. Despite the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery, the interior felt special, making a strong case for choosing a luxury car over a mainstream brand.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly below average compared to rivals, the torque output was impressive, providing enough power to spin the wheels when pulling away from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, with slower response during highway overtakes. Switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved this, but a manual transmission option would have been beneficial. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which provided an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The C300 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. A sportier Mercedes-AMG C43 version offered 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reducing the zero to 100 km/h time to 4.5 seconds and increasing the top speed to 250 km/h. The C300's power delivery was not entirely smooth, with noticeable turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. However, the ride quality met luxury-car standards, with muted impacts from bumps and potholes. The C-Class was entertaining on twisty roads, offering good body control and precise steering, though it required a deliberate approach to cornering.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted roomy back seats with 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though slightly less than the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. This spaciousness came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. Front headroom was also lacking compared to other midsize sedans. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and seats lacking thigh support. The rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat offered 450 litres of cargo space, more than the Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, or Nissan Altima, but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. However, the layout of controls was excellent, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was longer and wider than its predecessor, providing more interior space. Headroom increased by 2.5 millimetres in front and 10 mm in back, while rear-seat legroom grew by 20 mm. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was near the bottom. The seats were comfortable with enough bolstering for spirited driving. Forward visibility was excellent, but thick rear pillars created a blind spot. The dashboard trim produced glare in direct sunlight, and the wireless charging pad was inaccessible when cupholders were in use. The C-Class offered 455 litres of trunk space, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for longer items.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. Keyless entry was standard, along with a single USB-A port for connectivity. The touchscreen was small but included pinch-to-zoom capability, and basic functions could be controlled with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls. The Passat lacked flashy tech features, such as the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster or the newer MIB3 infotainment system, and its driver aids were basic.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an infotainment setup inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Standard features included keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Burmester 3D surround-sound system. Optional features included a head-up display, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, and augmented-reality navigation system. The MBUX infotainment system offered a "Zero Layer" setup, displaying multiple items on the screen at once. The voice recognition system was highly effective, and touch controls on the steering wheel were easy to use. The optional augmented-reality navigation system provided helpful visual cues for turns.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Lane-keep assist and lane departure warning were available on the Execline grade. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but the NHTSA had not crash-tested it. The C-Class came with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems, many as standard equipment. These included automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, a driver-attention monitor, park assist, Pre-Safe, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, dash cam, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control. The C-Class also offered Car-to-X communication, which provided advance warnings of road conditions.