Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presented a departure from the cold, technical aesthetics of many modern vehicles. It featured a design with long hood and short deck proportions, softly rounded forms, and cleanly penned flanks, complemented by bold detailing. The E-Class stood out with its star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillight illumination, and a sweep of chrome defining the roofline, alongside a variety of expressive wheel designs. This design was expected to age gracefully, offering a timeless appeal. As it launched in Canada, the E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, starting at $73,900, excluding the destination charge. The test vehicle was heavily optioned, showcasing luxury and technology with features like Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery and a Superscreen triple-display glass panel, blending classic luxury with high-tech modernism.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid underwent significant styling updates, particularly at the front with a streamlined fascia crowned by a slim lightbar, termed the “seamless horizon lamp.” This modern flair was complemented by a repositioned badge and independently placed headlights. The rear end featured a lightbar forming a wide “H” shape with the taillights, resembling the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe. While the side profile remained similar to the 2023 model, the interior saw changes with vents flowing across the dash and a redesigned steering wheel. The Sonata Hybrid, not available in Canada, offered a U.S. specification with 17-inch wheels. The Preferred-Trend trim in Canada came with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the N Line trim featured 19-inchers. The interior offered a basic black or light grey option with Nappa leather, suede inserts, and red accents.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered two engine options. The E 350 4Matic was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, capable of accelerating to 96 km/h in 6.1 seconds. For those seeking more power, the E 450 4Matic featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 96 km/h in a claimed 4.4 seconds. Both models employed a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, along with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Despite its power, the E 350 fell short on fuel economy, with observed consumption at 9.9 L/100 km compared to the official 8.6 L/100 km. The optional Airmatic Package enhanced the ride with adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering, providing a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though it felt slightly unnatural on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduced an all-wheel drive (AWD) system for the first time, available on the Preferred-Trend trim for an additional $2,000. The N Line remained front-wheel-drive only. The Preferred-Trend trim featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The N Line offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, with power transferred via an 8-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission. The Sonata's steering and handling were praised, with a configurable driver-information display enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a comfortable interior, even without the Multicontour Seating Package. The front seats were supportive, available in MB-Tex artificial leather, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather, with heating and power operation as standard. Ventilation was optional, and a heated steering wheel was standard in Canada. The centre console's shape and lack of padding were minor drawbacks. The rear seat posed a challenge for entry and exit due to intrusive wheel wells, but once seated, passengers enjoyed good leg support and a tall riding position. The trunk offered 540 litres of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for expanded capacity.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid provided competitive interior space, with 975 millimetres of front-seat headroom and 950 mm of rear-seat headroom. The front row prioritized legroom with 1,170 mm, while the rear offered 885 mm. Heated and ventilated front seats were standard in the Preferred-Trend trim, with a slimmer steering wheel rim for added comfort. The trunk close button was a neat convenience feature, though not entirely necessary for a sedan.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased advanced technology with the third-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. It featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system with augmented video technology. The MBUX allowed for personalized experiences with up to 800 different vehicle settings across seven driver profiles. The Superscreen Package added a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the passenger and a video camera for conference calls. The MBUX digital voice assistant was responsive and conversational, though occasionally activated without prompt.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid impressed with its selectable USB-C port functionality, allowing for data-transmitting or charging-only modes. The curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display into a single panel, with the N Line featuring a pair of 12.3-inch screens. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, Sirius XM, and a wireless charging pad. The N Line offered navigation and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, while the Preferred-Trend trim had a six-speaker sound system.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package offering 14 additional technologies for $2,150. Highlights included upgraded Pre-Safe pre-collision features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping, lane-centring, and lane-change systems. The Automatic Lane Change function and Active Speed Limit Assist were notable, though not always preferred by drivers. The lane-keeping assist system was particularly impressive, providing practical assistance in daily driving situations.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included standard safety features such as blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, and lane-following and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, automatic emergency braking, and rear occupant alert were also standard. Hyundai's infotainment system made safety features easy to find and use, with clear graphics explaining each function.