2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a versatile offering, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, a variety unmatched by most competitors. The E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. In Canada, the E-Class came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, enhancing its appeal in diverse driving conditions. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, particularly the AMG E53 Cabriolet, were designed for those seeking a blend of luxury and performance, though they came with a hefty price tag. The E53 Cabriolet, with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim, was a visual delight, exuding a sense of luxury and sophistication. Inside, the high-end spec offered a luxurious experience with digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather, making it a true embodiment of modern luxury.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, had undergone significant updates over the years, with a major facelift in 2015. This gave the Charger a modern and menacing look, distinct from its Challenger coupe counterpart. While the exterior was updated, the interior retained a more dated feel, with thick bezels and chunky controls. However, this design choice made the cabin user-friendly, compensating for its lack of modernity. The Charger was available in various trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models with supercharged V8 engines. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine, offering a thrilling driving experience. Despite its age, the Charger remained a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of performance and practicality.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models were powered by a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This setup ensured robust throttle response across a wide rev range, with a quoted acceleration time of 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided excellent power delivery, while the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed drivers to tailor the car's character to their preferences. The E53 Cabriolet featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, enhancing its dual personality as both a comfortable cruiser and a spirited performer. Despite some cowl shake due to the convertible design, the E53 Cabriolet felt solid and sure-footed, making it suitable for both leisurely drives and spirited mountain runs.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing up to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack 392 featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 hp. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, delivered 717 hp, while the Redeye and Jailbreak models pushed output to 797 and 807 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with a Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat's Widebody setup, with 11-inch-wide Pirelli P-Zero tires, improved power delivery and cornering precision. The SRT Performance Pages menu allowed drivers to adjust settings for traction control, throttle response, and suspension, making the Charger a versatile performance machine.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system ensured comfort in cooler weather. The sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats provided relief in hot conditions, and 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. However, the trunk space was limited to 360 litres with the top up, and about half of that with the top down, comparable to a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, despite being a large sedan, offered an intimate experience from the driver's seat due to the tall transmission tunnel and performance bucket seats. Both rows provided ample legroom, but headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The Charger had 467 litres of trunk space, though the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger offered sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, making it a versatile choice for those seeking practicality and performance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, renowned for its digital instrumentation and user-friendly interface. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of MBUX, offering high-resolution displays that remained clear even in sunlight. Interaction with MBUX was possible through the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, digital voice assistant, or centre console controls. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available, enhancing the overall experience. However, the digital assistant could be accidentally activated, and wind noise in the convertible could cause confusion.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its simplicity and ease of use. The system featured a dock area with large icons for major functions, and an 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced system, Uconnect's blend of technology and conventional controls provided a user-friendly experience, serving as a benchmark for other systems.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for a collision and protecting occupants' hearing. 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, lane-centring assistance, and evasive steering assist, enhancing safety and driver convenience.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Charger received a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test but earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.