2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2023 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a stunning presence with an array of body styles including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. This variety set it apart, making it a versatile choice among luxury vehicles. Among the sedans, its E350 model was characterized by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while other variants like the E450 and AMG E53 boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine paired with EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Whether a driving enthusiast opted for the AMG-tuned versions or not, the E-Class was available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), adding to its adaptability.

In the specific test of the AMG E53 Cabriolet, the car came with a whopping $85,400 base price, climbing to nearly $110,000 with premium options like matte paint, leather, and carbon fiber trim. This model wasn’t practical for the cost-conscious but dazzled in terms of luxury aesthetics. The matte-blue paint and AMG styling elements added a sleek and modern look that was accentuated by the convertible top. Inside, the car was the epitome of luxury, featuring premium materials such as high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and soft leather seats. The careful attention to detail made it clear that the E-Class Cabriolet was engineered for those who enjoy flaunting their wealth.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, although not as luxurious as the E-Class, offered a strong, reliable design that continued Nissan's 50-year legacy in the family car segment. The new model year introduced updated front styling with a revised grille, new wheel designs, and two fresh paint colors, making the Altima visually appealing, particularly in the higher trims with 19-inch wheels. Despite the stylish new wheels of the SL trim being vulnerable to curb damage, the updated Altima boasted an improved look overall.

Available in trims ranging from the base S to the luxurious SL, and including the sporty SR and SR VC-Turbo models, the Altima catered to various tastes and needs. Our test vehicle, an SL trim with AWD, had an MSRP of $34,755. While its interior was attractive with high-contrast leather seats and new double-stitched seams, the car still harbored a lot of hard plastic - a reminder of its more affordable pricing compared to luxury rivals. The simulated wood dashboard trim wasn’t particularly convincing, but the overall layout and comfort made it a solid choice for family use.

Riding on 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires, and featuring an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, the E53 Cabriolet truly shone. It managed to maintain a balanced composure on both urban roads and winding mountain stretches, thanks to its adaptable driving modes. While some cowl shake was noticeable over bumps due to the convertible design, the car overall felt solid and capable. This combination ensured that the E53 Cabriolet was equally suitable for everyday drives and spirited escapades, even during cooler weather, thanks to its comprehensive heating features.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, in contrast, offered a more conventional performance profile with its range of 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines paired with a CVT. Producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque in FWD models, and slightly less with AWD, the Altima provided adequate power for everyday driving. The CVT was programmed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, adding some engagement with paddle shifters in the SR trim. While fuel economy ranged from 30 to 32 mpg, our AWD test model averaged 27.4 mpg, lower than expected.

For a touch of excitement, the SR VC-Turbo model came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This powerplant offered up to 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, enhancing the Altima's performance significantly without sacrificing much fuel efficiency. The SR and SR VC-Turbo models also featured sport-tuned suspension and active control technologies to manage ride quality and handling better. Despite these improvements, the Altima's performance remained more utilitarian than exhilarating. It offered decent urban drivability but struggled with noise and brake performance on harsher driving conditions.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was designed to accommodate four passengers comfortably, with rear seats providing adequate space for adults. The car's Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence at high speeds, enhancing passenger comfort. The focus was clearly on front-seat comfort, highlighted by heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, the Airscarf neck-warming system, and rapid heating for armrests. Sun-reflective leather and a triple-layer acoustic soft top made the car versatile for various weather conditions, while multi-contour front seats with massage function and ambient fragrance system added to its luxurious feel.

With the top raised, the Cabriolet offered a modest trunk space of 9.5 cubic feet, which reduced significantly with the top down. This trunk space was comparable to a Mazda MX-5 Miata, making the E-Class Cabriolet less practical for cargo-intensive trips.

The Nissan Altima countered with a more practical and utilitarian interior. Its Zero Gravity seats, designed for maximum comfort, were a highlight. The SL trim offered dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats and steering wheel. However, the front passenger seat lacked significant adjustments, and ingress and egress were somewhat hindered by the car’s low stance and sticky leather seats.

Rear seat comfort in the Altima was commendable, with adequate legroom and thigh support. Storage solutions were practical, though the design of the snap-on floor mats posed potential issues. The Altima's trunk measured 15.4 cubic feet, smaller than some competitors but still practical for everyday use. However, the absence of a handle for the trunk lid added a minor inconvenience.

Mercedes-Benz excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system in the 2022 E-Class. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the backbone of this highly intuitive system, offering full-color, high-resolution displays. Users could interact using the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, voice commands, or physical buttons, enhancing ease of use. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality navigation system added to its attractiveness. Despite the occasional challenge of navigating its extensive menu, the MBUX system stood out as a comprehensive and adaptable technology package.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima's technology offerings varied significantly by trim. Lower trims like the S came with a basic 5-inch display radio, while SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. New for 2023 was an available 12.3-inch touchscreen system, optional on SV and SR, and standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo trims. It added features like navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. While the Bose nine-speaker audio system offered an uneven performance, the larger infotainment screen represented a significant upgrade with user-friendly interfaces and responsive voice recognition.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came equipped with a robust array of standard safety features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, the E-Class included Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound technologies, which prepared both the cabin and occupants for imminent collisions. Standard on the AMG E53 was an Active Parking Assist feature, complemented by a surround-view camera system and advanced rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control.

Optional in the Driver Assistance Package were more advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and several other active safety systems. These added layers ensured a high level of safety, making the E-Class one of the more secure options in its segment.

The optional ProPilot Assist enhanced highway driving with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While it worked efficiently, it did have some quirks that needed refinement. An upgrade to SL and SR VC-Turbo trims brought in a surround-view camera system, improving reversing safety. On the crash-test front, the Altima received top ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, although its front passenger safety rating was slightly lower at four stars.