2022 Mercedes-Benz E-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. The Passat's smooth, rounded-off corners 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 on Execline models.

Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls rather than large digital screens. This approach enhanced forward and side visibility, avoiding the bunker-like feel of many modern cars. However, some buyers might have found the interior a bit plain, with silver-coloured plastic trim and leatherette upholstery. Despite this, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's market positioning as a value option. The only questionable design choice was the flat-bottomed steering wheel, which seemed out of place in such an un-sporty car.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, showcasing its versatility. The E-Class sedans featured the E350 model designation, equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all variants were available as an E450 with a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six and EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain technology. In Canada, 4Matic all-wheel drive was standard. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, such as the AMG E53, provided a more powerful version of the E450 4MATIC’s engine, appealing to driving enthusiasts.

The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim, exemplified luxury. Despite its high price, the E53 convertible was designed for those who appreciated wealth and style. The modern Mercedes design was characterized by a purity that, when combined with AMG styling, larger wheels, and a convertible top, achieved a level of perfection. Inside, the high-end spec featured bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, and Burmester speaker grilles, creating an atmosphere of luxury.

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 issue, but a manual transmission option was not available. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. On the highway, ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

In contrast, 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. This 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+ variable AWD system ensured efficient power delivery. Drivers could choose from multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, allowing the E53 to transition from a comfortable cruiser to a performance-oriented vehicle. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, enhanced the driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet excelled as both a quiet cruiser and a dynamic performer, with the ability to handle twisty roads with confidence.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 993 millimetres of rear legroom, 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. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat's cargo space measured 450 litres, 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 door bottle holders improperly shaped for large bottles. However, the layout of controls was a highlight, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence when the top was down. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rapid-heating front seats. The Airscarf neck-warming system and sun-reflective leather added to the comfort. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet in hot weather. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, enhancing long-drive comfort. With the top raised, the trunk held 360 litres of cargo, but this was reduced by half with the top down.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring 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. A single USB-A port handled connectivity functions. The touchscreen was small by modern standards but included pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat's approach to technology was simple, with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls for basic functions. However, it lacked the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 infotainment system found in other VW models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The system was complex yet user-friendly, with swipe and scroll functions on the steering wheel touchpad buttons. MBUX 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 available. The system's broad menu structure required acclimation, and the digital assistant could be accidentally activated. In a convertible, wind noise could affect the assistant's performance.

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

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for an impact and protecting ears from loud noises. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking. Most other safety features were part of the extra-cost Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and more. The package was effective, with impressive adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist.