2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Acura TLX

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 received updates such as squinted headlights, an inverted trapezoid grille, and horizontal taillights, giving it a slightly edgier appearance. Despite these changes, it maintained its reputation as a handsome and elegant vehicle, available in various body styles including sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible. Inside, the E-Class offered a luxurious cabin with rich materials like polished woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber, creating an inviting and opulent atmosphere. The interior was equipped with two 12-inch screens, a digital instrument panel, and a new steering wheel design, making it a modern and lavish space.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, presented a wide and long stance, giving it the appearance of a larger luxury sedan. Its design emphasized width, with a track width significantly wider than competitors like the BMW 3 Series. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, contributing to its bold and substantial look. The Type S variant added exclusive elements like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, and a rear diffuser, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX offered a snug cabin with impressive detailing, including a narrow center console and Scandinavian-inspired lighting. The Type S models featured faux-suede inserts and red stitching, adding a touch of sportiness to the interior. Despite its compact size, the TLX provided a comfortable driving position and well-marked controls, though its touchpad interface required some acclimation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain lineup, with the E450 model transitioning to an electrified inline-six engine. This hybrid system, featuring a 48-volt electrical system, provided additional power and torque for brief moments, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The E450's 3.0-liter engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with the AMG E53 variant offering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. The AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a high-performance option. The E-Class offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with advanced suspension systems and rear-biased all-wheel drive enhancing its handling capabilities. However, fuel economy on the AMG models was less impressive, with the E53 sedan achieving 25 mpg combined and the E63 sedan 18 mpg combined.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option to upgrade to Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for improved stability and handling. The Type S variant boasted a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, generating 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling, especially on the track. While the Type S offered a sporty ride, the regular TLX was more softly sprung, prioritizing comfort. Fuel economy for the Type S was moderate, with 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while the regular TLX with SH-AWD achieved 21/29/24 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provided a spacious cabin for four adults, with ample headroom and legroom. The seats were supportive, and the interior featured a range of user-friendly controls, including separate climate controls and seat adjustments on the doors. The E-Class offered various body styles, with the wagon providing the most cargo space at 35 cubic feet. The sedan had a trunk capacity of 13 cubic feet, while the coupe and convertible offered less space. The redesigned infotainment system and touchscreen made everyday tasks easier, though mastering the dual screens required some learning.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a tight interior for four passengers. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The TLX's touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it operated differently from traditional touchscreens. Trunk space was limited at 13.5 cubic feet, and the double-wishbone suspension took up additional space. The TLX's interior featured straightforward climate controls and a unique pushbutton gear selector.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with improved organization and natural voice processing. The system included features like live camera feeds for navigation and massaging seats with side bolsters. While the system didn't support over-the-air updates, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. Optional driving assists provided semi-autonomous control, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small and difficult to read. The TLX included a head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, and a 360-degree camera system. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers provided excellent sound quality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch, offering semi-automated control on marked highways.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was rated a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS. It featured innovative safety technologies like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during a collision. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2022 Acura TLX was also rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It included standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.