2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2023 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, offered enhanced performance with a more powerful engine. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its luxurious features and high price tag, was a statement of wealth and style, showcasing a modern design with AMG styling, intricate wheels, and a matte-blue paint finish. Inside, the high-end spec offered digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and premium leather, exuding luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, while more affordable, raised questions about its appeal as a traditional four-door sedan. Available in Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and GLI trims, the Jetta's pricing ranged from $23,295 to $34,495, excluding destination charges. The Jetta Highline, with its Platinum Grey Metallic paint and Volcano Brown over Titan Black interior, offered a conservative design that lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations. However, the Highline trim provided an upscale feel with ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and larger digital screens. Despite its bland appearance, the Jetta Highline delivered emotional value at a competitive price point.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain 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 dynamic 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, enhanced the driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet excelled in both leisurely coastal drives and spirited mountain runs, with its AWD system and heated features making it suitable for three-season driving.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivered 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Jetta's front-wheel-drive setup, combined with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered zippy acceleration and nimble handling in urban settings. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a delay in throttle response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. The Jetta Highline achieved a fuel consumption rating of 7.1 L/100 km, though real-world testing averaged 7.8 L/100 km. Despite its light and soft feel, the Jetta Highline impressed with accurate steering, faithful brakes, and predictable handling, making it a rewarding drive on mountain roads.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfort for both front and rear occupants. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system enhanced comfort. The sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats catered to hot weather, and the triple-layer acoustic soft top maintained 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, reducing significantly with the top down.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline, straddling the compact and midsize sedan segments, comfortably accommodated four adults, with the option for a fifth passenger on short trips. The interior offered generous storage space, and the trunk boasted 399 litres of cargo capacity. The Jetta Highline featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, the Jetta's design facilitated easy entry and exit. The rear seat provided ample legroom and comfort, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Jetta's storage solutions included a large centre bin, glove compartment, and door panel storage, with a wireless charging pad in the Highline trim.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system, featuring two 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system offered multiple interaction methods, including voice commands, and supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrades included Wi-Fi service and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The Burmester surround-sound audio system provided exceptional audio quality. However, the MBUX system's complexity required acclimation, and the digital assistant could be inadvertently activated.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline featured a 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included proximity-sensing, knobs for volume and menu functions, and shortcut tiles. While the infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it required more inputs for certain functions, such as changing radio stations. The voice recognition system was limited without Car-Net connected service upgrades. Car-Net offered a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary access to safety and remote features for four years. The Beats Audio premium audio system, however, was less satisfying compared to previous Fender systems.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features such as 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 prepared occupants for collisions, while Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Comfortline trim added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Travel Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. The Jetta's Emergency Assist feature could safely stop the car if the driver was unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had lower ratings for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta's safety as Poor in a new frontal-impact crash test.