2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a versatile offering, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, a variety unmatched by many 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, offered a more powerful engine, catering to driving enthusiasts. Despite its high ranking in various categories, the E-Class struggled with cost-effectiveness, especially in the AMG E53 Cabriolet variant, which, with its luxurious features and options, pushed the price close to $120,000 Canadian. The E-Class was a statement of luxury, with its modern design, high-end materials, and advanced technology, making it a choice for those who valued opulence and performance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, on the other hand, presented a cohesive design that borrowed elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a stylish sedan recognizable from any angle. The C-Class emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform with cab-rearward proportions, distinguishing it from the front-wheel-drive CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights, with an optional Mercedes Digital Light system, added to its allure. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the S-Class, with features like a freestanding touchscreen, ambient lighting, and intricate speaker grilles. Despite its luxury billing, the C-Class came standard with MBTex synthetic leather, with Nappa leather available as an upgrade. The C-Class made a strong case for itself as a luxury sedan, offering a blend of style, comfort, and advanced technology.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models were equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine featuring EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator. This setup enhanced both power output and efficiency, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The engine provided 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+ variable AWD system ensured the power was effectively transferred to the road. The E53 Cabriolet featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The E53 Cabriolet showcased a dual personality, offering a quiet and comfortable ride for leisurely drives, while transforming into a dynamic performer on twisty roads with the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, specifically the C300, was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft 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 AMG C43 version was also available, featuring a more powerful 2.0-litre engine with 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The C300 4Matic test car offered sufficient power, but experienced some turbo lag and rough shifts. Despite these issues, the C-Class delivered a comfortable ride, with good body control and precise steering, making it enjoyable on twisty roads, although it required a more deliberate driving approach.

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, enhancing passenger comfort. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system. Sun-reflective leather and available ventilated front seats catered to hot weather, while the triple-layer acoustic soft top maintained a cool and quiet cabin. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, providing exceptional comfort on long drives. The trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top raised, but this was significantly reduced with the top down.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, available only as a sedan, offered increased interior space compared to its predecessor, with improved headroom and rear-seat legroom. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, although front legroom was less competitive. The seats were comfortable, with enough bolstering for spirited driving, and forward visibility was excellent. However, thick rear pillars created a blind spot, necessitating the use of driver aids. The dashboard trim produced glare in direct sunlight, and the wireless charging pad was inconveniently located. The C-Class offered 455 litres of trunk space, with a wide opening for easy loading and unloading. A 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench accommodated longer items, and a power trunk release was available.

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 the system, offering high-resolution displays that remained clear 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, and optional upgrades like Wi-Fi service and augmented reality navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available. The MBUX system was customizable, but its extensive menu structure could be challenging to navigate, and the digital assistant could be inadvertently activated.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class adopted an infotainment setup similar to the S-Class, with a freestanding digital instrument cluster and portrait-oriented touchscreen. Even the base C300 featured a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen, angled towards the driver. Standard features included keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, head-up display, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX system in the C-Class featured the "Zero Layer" setup, allowing multiple items to be displayed simultaneously. The voice recognition system was highly effective, and touch controls on the steering wheel were intuitive. The augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance with overlaid arrows on the front-camera feed.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also featured 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 included adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and other advanced safety features, enhancing the E-Class's safety credentials.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest rating available. Standard safety features included automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, 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, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control. The C-Class also offered Car-to-X communication, allowing vehicles to share information about road conditions. This feature provided advance warnings, such as potholes, enhancing safety for networked vehicles.