2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

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. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, like the AMG E53 Cabriolet, were particularly appealing to driving enthusiasts, offering a more powerful engine and luxurious features. Despite its high price tag, the E53 Cabriolet was a statement of wealth and style, with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim. The interior was a testament to luxury, with high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather, making it a sensory delight.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a mild makeover, with subtle exterior styling tweaks and an engine update. Available in three trims in Canada—Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline—the Jetta Highline was the focus of this review. The exterior changes were subtle, with chrome accents on the grille and bumper, and new wheel designs. The Jetta's design was purposeful yet understated, akin to a black suitcase at baggage claim. Inside, the Jetta offered subtle but appealing updates, with a new rhombus pattern on cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium look. The Highline trim featured a two-tone leather interior option and a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster was standard across the lineup, with the Highline receiving the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models were equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine featuring 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 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided excellent power delivery, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes to tailor the car's character. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels, enhanced its dynamic capabilities. The convertible offered a dual personality, serving as a quiet cruiser or a spirited performer, with its AWD system and heated features making it suitable for three-season driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a standard 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic transmission, offered adequate power for city commuting. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with estimates of 8.0 L/100 km city and 5.5 highway for the manual, and 7.7 city and 5.7 highway for the automatic. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. While the Jetta's powertrain was its weak point, with touchy throttle and turbo lag, it offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes. The steering was accurate but lacked feedback, and the overall dynamics were tepid, though highway power delivery was smooth.

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 with the top down, and the focus was on driver and front passenger comfort. Standard features included heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system. The sun-reflective leather and available ventilated front seats enhanced comfort in hot weather. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. The multi-contour front seats with massage and Air Balance interior fragrance system added to the luxury experience. The trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top up, but this was halved with the top down.

The Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the ability to accommodate five. The seats were comfortable, though the front seat cushions had a slight incline that might not suit shorter passengers. The cabin was driver-centric, with buttons for climate control, audio, and seat controls conveniently located. Storage space was practical, with door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, which was unusual but not problematic.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation, offering high-resolution displays. Interaction was possible via touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, or steering wheel touchpad buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. The MBUX system was comprehensive, though its extensive menu structure required familiarization.

The Volkswagen Jetta's technology upgrades included the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Highline trim featured the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display and customizable views. The infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with capacitive-touch sensor, App-Connect for smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and USB-C ports. The Highline trim added premium Beats Audio sound and remote start. The system was user-friendly, with steering wheel controls for navigation adjustments.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin for impact and protecting hearing. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and other advanced features. The package was effective, with adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist being particularly impressive.

The Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Comfortline trim, along with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist stopped the vehicle if the driver was unresponsive. The Jetta's safety features were customizable via the touchscreen menu. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from IIHS due to an Acceptable side crash test score and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.