2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution that embraced the "sensual purity" theme, moving away from the sharper lines of its predecessor. This model featured a more fluid and curvier form, reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models from earlier years. The E-Class had a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights. Despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament, the E-Class maintained its elegant and reserved appearance, with AMG models adding a touch of sportiness through vertical grille slats and larger wheels. Inside, the E-Class was a showcase of luxury, with rich materials like polished woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber adorning the cabin. The interior was a blend of modern technology and opulent design, featuring two 12-inch screens, digital displays, and a variety of steering wheel options that added to its lavish appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its understated styling from the previous year's facelift, aligning more closely with the smaller Jetta sedan. This design choice gave the Passat a more conservative look compared to its more radically styled competitors. The Passat's aerodynamic shape, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, contributed to its fuel efficiency, although not dramatically. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes varying by trim level. The R-Line trim added sportier elements like model-specific bumpers and a rear spoiler. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls for ease of use. While the interior materials were not luxurious, the fit and finish were commendable, aligning with the Passat's positioning as a value-oriented option.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain lineup, notably transitioning from conventional V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains for its high-volume models. The E450 model became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to enhance power and efficiency. This system provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief moments, allowing the engine to shut off more frequently to save fuel. The E450's 3.0-liter inline-six engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the battery's overboost feature offering even more power. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, resulting in 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, delivering brisk acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. The AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine, produced a staggering 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, making it a performance powerhouse. Despite the impressive power figures, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, with fuel economy ratings ranging from 18 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the model.

In comparison, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, with the latter figure being more impressive than the former. While the Passat's power delivery was uneven at times, switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved responsiveness. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in some of its competitors. However, it provided a smooth ride on highways, with good but not exceptional cabin noise levels.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for four adults. The interior featured redesigned touchpads on the steering wheel and a user-friendly layout with separate climate controls and seat adjustments on the doors. The E-Class sedan provided 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the wagon offered up to 64 cubic feet with the seats folded. The coupe and convertible models had less rear seat space, with the convertible sacrificing some comfort for its elegant folding soft top. The E450 All-Terrain wagon added ground clearance and plastic body cladding for a more rugged appearance.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat emphasized rear legroom, offering 39.1 inches, although this came at the expense of front legroom and headroom. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the driving position was uncomfortable for some drivers. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others. Interior storage was limited, with door bottle holders not accommodating large bottles well. However, the Passat excelled in control layout, with large buttons and knobs within easy reach, making it user-friendly for drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, which allowed for touch, swipe, and voice commands. The system was well-organized, with shortcut buttons for major functions and gesture controls for added convenience. The E-Class offered advanced features like live camera feeds with overlay arrows for navigation and massaging seats with side bolsters. While the system didn't support over-the-air updates, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional wireless charging and 4G WiFi. The E-Class also offered optional driving assists for semi-autonomous driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, navigation, and a premium audio system. The Passat's tech features were straightforward, with analog controls for climate and audio functions. While it lacked the latest digital features found in other VW models, the Passat's simplicity appealed to drivers seeking a more traditional experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS for the sedan model. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, including Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during side collisions, and crosswind stabilization. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat earned top "good" scores in IIHS crash tests, although its standard headlights received a "marginal" rating. The Passat included adaptive cruise control as standard, along with other driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Notable safety features included the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and the Intelligent Crash Response System, enhancing safety in the event of a collision.