2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was likened to the awe-inspiring humpback whales with its lidded headlights, bulging hood, wide lower air intakes, and oversized grille giving it an almost aquatic appearance. These design elements, combined with a high price starting at $40,750 for a base 330i and escalating to $56,000 for the M340i with xDrive, captivated those who admired its style. The test model, an M340i xDrive, came nearly fully loaded at $69,570. Despite the high cost, the car’s design and drivability, particularly in the M340i trim, made it endearing. Interior personalization options were abundant, with various colors and materials available. The test car’s off-white Ivory leather offered a striking contrast to the otherwise black cabin, accentuated by the Tanzanite Blue exterior paint, creating a visually arresting look.

For the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the design retained its handsome and elegant charm. Having transitioned from its sharper, boxier predecessor, it now matched the fluid, curvier forms of the newer S-Class and C-Class models. Changes were subtle but notable, including edgier front treatments with squinted headlights and new bumpers with larger air intakes. It remained available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or convertible body styles, but some traditional features, like the standing hood ornament, were gone. The AMG models sported vertical grille slats and a larger star emblem which was fitting for their powerhouse nature. The E-Class cabin was a testament to opulence, with rich woods, aluminum, carbon fiber, and finely detailed metal speaker grilles. The interior setup exuded luxury, amplified by technology such as touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and a seamless instrument panel with twin 12-inch screens.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series revisited its driving dynamics, correcting previous criticism with significant structural and suspension changes. Driving enthusiasts favored the redesigned electric steering and other modifications that rekindled the "Ultimate Driving Machine" spirit. The M340i trim boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Despite the now-standard 8-speed automatic transmission—a point of contention for some—the car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Variable sport steering, a rear M Sport differential, and massive M Sport brakes contributed to an exhilarating drive, although some might miss the traditional manual gearbox in favor of the superb automatic transmission and paddle shifters.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced electrified inline-six powertrains in its high-volume models, replacing the conventional V6 engines. The E450 hybrid’s engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with auxiliary power from a 48-volt electrical system providing an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft for short durations. This sophisticated setup aimed to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency. The AMG E53 upped the ante with an additional electric turbocharger, boosting performance to 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. The flagship E63 S took it further with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft from a 4.0-liter V8, paired with a rear-biased AWD. Despite varying powertrain configurations, the E-Class maintained a balance between performance and comfort, with AMG models offering thrilling speed and handling while not compromising on ride quality.

Inside the 2020 BMW 3 Series, the front seats provided excellent support and comfort, especially for spirited driving. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel were ideal for colder weather, although the lack of ventilated seats was noted during a heatwave test. Rear seat entry was somewhat tricky, but once seated, passengers enjoyed good support and snug bolsters. However, some controls were not intuitive, such as the climate controls and digital instrumentation. Storage solutions were ample, with a practical covered bin for wireless smartphone charging. Trunk space was deceptively limited despite a 17-cubic feet rating, struggling to accommodate larger luggage items.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class improved user-friendliness with a redesigned infotainment system and ergonomic cabin layout. Shortcut buttons, separate climate controls, and easy-to-adjust seat controls on the doors simplified operations. The spacious cabin comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom and legroom. Specific critiques noted the absence of rear USB ports, a separate climate zone, and heated rear seats in the E53, despite its high price tag. The E-Class sedan offered 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the coupe had about 10 cubic feet, which reduced when the roof was down. The wagon, particularly the new All-Terrain trim with up to 64 cubic feet of cargo space, provided substantial practicality.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series' latest iDrive system included touchscreen functionality, natural voice recognition, and optional gesture control. These features made the system more intuitive compared to its original version. The flat pad design on the center console, however, was less tactile. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was a standout, performing functions akin to a smartphone assistant. For instance, it could find and navigate to local, non-chain eateries. The exceptional head-up display, visible even with polarized sunglasses, was another high-tech highlight.

For the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the MBUX software provided a state-of-the-art user experience with touchscreen capability and better-organized interfaces. The system used gesture controls, natural voice commands, and AR overlays for navigation instructions. Additional luxuries such as massaging seats, seat kinetics, and mood settings provided an elevated in-car atmosphere. Despite some non-wireless features, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the car packed advanced options, including semi-autonomous driving aids. The adaptable digital instrument cluster allowed for various display configurations, ranging from traditional to futuristic aesthetics.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required two Driving Assistance option packages for the full suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Though accurate, the systems occasionally lacked smoothness. The unrelenting lane-keeping assist demanded active participation from the driver. Nevertheless, the BMW 3 Series earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating with adaptive full LED headlights, confirming its robust crashworthiness.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in safety, receiving a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the sedan and wagon models. The E-Class incorporated innovative safety technologies, like Pre-Safe Sound and automatically adjusting side bolsters. Standard driver-assistance features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. The wealth of additional optional safety technologies reinforced its position as a top-tier safe vehicle.