2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2023 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 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 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. In Canada, the E-Class came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, with no rear-wheel drive option. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, like the AMG E53, offered a more powerful version of the E450's engine, providing a thrilling driving experience. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its luxurious matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim, was a testament to opulence, though its high price tag made it a choice for those looking to flaunt their wealth. The design of the E-Class was marked by a modern purity, with AMG styling and intricate wheels enhancing its character. Inside, the high-end spec offered a luxurious experience with digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather, making it a true embodiment of luxury.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its age, maintained a distinct and modern appearance with its sleek nose and sharp LED taillights. The Charger, last updated in 2011, shared its bones with the 2006 model, which borrowed from the 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Despite its dated underpinnings, the Charger stood out among competitors like the Accord, Altima, and Camry, which had undergone several redesigns. The base Charger was somewhat plain, but the V8 models, like the Scat Pack with the widebody kit, exuded a commanding presence. The Swinger variant featured flared fenders, 305-mm-wide tires on 20-inch wheels, and a distinctive hood scoop, creating a bold and aggressive look. The interior, however, was a throwback to 2011, with dated features like a small touchscreen and plasticky knobs. Despite the lack of top-notch materials, the Swinger added unique touches like green stitching and a Swinger badge, creating a basic yet adequate space for unleashing the Charger's performance.

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 acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system delivered power efficiently, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowing for a customizable driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet featured an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires enhancing its dynamic capabilities. The convertible offered a dual personality, serving as a quiet cruiser or a spirited performer, with the AMG Dynamic Select transforming its character for mountain drives. Despite some cowl shake, the E53 Cab felt solid and sure-footed, with an amplified exhaust note adding to the driving experience. The E-Class Cabriolet was suitable for three-season driving, with heated features and AWD making it viable for winter use with appropriate tires.

The 2023 Dodge Charger offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, producing 292 or 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with other Stellantis brands, was paired with an AWD system that was slow to react in adverse conditions. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, however, was smooth and efficient, delivering fuel economy as low as 7.8 L/100 km on the highway. The Charger R/T models featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, capable of cylinder deactivation for improved efficiency. The Scat Pack models, like the Swinger, boasted a 6.4-litre V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, offering a satisfying and theatrical driving experience. The Charger SRT Hellcats, with their supercharged 6.2-litre engines, delivered outrageous power, with up to 807 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque in the Redeye Jailbreak variant. Despite traction challenges, the Hellcats offered unmatched performance for their price. The Charger excelled in handling, with good grip and steering precision, though its large size required caution in corners. Braking was exceptional, with Brembo brakes on higher trims ensuring confident stopping power.

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 and steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, and heated armrests. The Airscarf neck-warming system added to the luxury experience. Sun-reflective leather and available ventilated front seats provided comfort in hot weather, while 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 made long drives enjoyable. The trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top up, but this was reduced by half with the top down, limiting storage capacity.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its size, felt cramped inside. Headroom was adequate for a 5-foot-11 frame without a sunroof, but the footwells were tight, and the transmission tunnel limited rear legroom. Rear headroom was also lacking, making it uncomfortable for taller passengers. The trunk, however, was spacious, offering 470 litres of cargo capacity. The Charger's controls were a highlight, with large, easy-to-find buttons and switches for climate, lighting, and audio systems. The touchscreen and instrument panel screen integrated additional features without requiring deep menu navigation, creating a familiar and user-friendly environment.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the advanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The system was complex yet intuitive, with swipe and scroll functions on the steering wheel touchpad buttons requiring some acclimation. MBUX offered multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, physical controls, voice assistant, and steering wheel buttons, with customization options enhancing ease of use. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like Wi-Fi service and augmented reality navigation available. The Burmester surround-sound audio system provided an exceptional audio experience. Challenges with MBUX included navigating its extensive menu structure and accidental activation of the digital assistant, especially in a convertible with the top down.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance features found in other Stellantis vehicles. The 8.4-inch touchscreen, though small, offered fast and logical menu structures with clear legibility. It included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, voice recognition, and SiriusXM. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of performance settings, including throttle, steering, dampers, and more. The app also featured launch control and line lock for drag racing, with real-time performance data available on the touchscreen. Hellcat models included additional cooling functions for the supercharger, accessible through the touchscreen, offering unique technology not found in competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with standard safety features like forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet also included pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for a collision and protecting hearing during an impact. 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, Active Steering Assist, and more, enhancing safety and driver convenience.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. It scored four stars in frontal and side barrier tests for the driver and five stars for rear passengers in side tests. The IIHS ratings, based on the 2015 Chrysler 300, were less reliable for the Charger. Standard safety features were limited to rear parking sensors and a backup camera, with optional features like forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control available. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on Hellcat models and some lower trims.