2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, harkened back to the E-Class models from two generations prior with its rounded, smooth body. While some critics felt it was overly streamlined, the E-Class maintained a recognizable and respectable family resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan, in particular, looked especially rich with the traditional hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, though most models featured a sport grille with a large Mercedes emblem. The LED lighting, from the twin running lamps to the grainy film effect on the tail, added a delicate touch, and the car's proportions always hit a visual sweet spot, whether on 17-inch wheels or 20s with ground effects and quad exhausts.

The cabriolet version of the E-Class showcased the fluid, creaseless form best, with a contrasting soft top that revealed a sumptuous interior. When specified correctly, the E-Class delighted with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood. Two feet of high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by four circular air vents and a row of knurled silver toggles for climate control. The ambient lighting, available in 64 colors with various animations, added to the luxurious feel. Features like heated armrests, massaging seats, and striking colors made the E-Class a place for solitude. Even the base model, with leatherette and standard seats, felt several cuts above other cars in its segment.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing, featuring sharp creases and dramatic angles. This distinctive styling, including a controversial Z-shaped dent in the doors, gave the Elantra a unique character. Available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with a hybrid powertrain option for the SEL and Limited, the Elantra's prices ranged from $19,650 to $25,450, excluding destination charges. Hyundai expected no more than 10% of buyers to choose the hybrid powertrain.

Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with an angled passenger cornering grip. Higher trim levels offered nicer and higher-tech cabins, with the Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray being a favorite for its modern and upscale look. The light gray seats, dashboard, and door panel trim contrasted against the black cabin, hiding some of the cheaper plastic panels. The Elantra SEL with the Premium Package had a drab black interior with leatherette door panel inserts, and glossy black plastic that was easier to notice and harder to forgive.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350, which replaced the E300. The E350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The revised turbo with a twin-scroll design and shorter intake runners provided quicker response, though the car's heavy weight made passing maneuvers challenging. The E450, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offered a more balanced and effortless performance. The AMG E53, with a hybrid setup, delivered 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG E63 S, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, produced 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy ranged from 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered several powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 1.32-kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 139 horsepower and paired with a six-speed DCT. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, generated 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or eight-speed wet DCT. Fuel economy varied, with the Elantra Hybrid achieving up to 54 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complicated COMAND infotainment system, which could be unwieldy on the car's large screens. The lack of touchscreens was a significant drawback, making it challenging to change settings while driving. However, the E-Class offered functional features like seat and seat climate controls on the door panels, ample space in every dimension, and clear sightlines. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The car also had practical storage solutions, like a net in the front passenger footwell for water bottles.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a roomy interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The Limited Hybrid included heated and ventilated front seats. However, the height-adjustable front passenger’s seat from the previous Elantra was no longer available, and the upper door panels featured hard plastic. The Elantra offered best-in-class rear-seat legroom, though the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support. Storage space was useful, with dual-stage adjustable cupholders and a 14.2-cubic-foot trunk. Some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release, though the grab handle inside the trunk was no longer available.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system, V2X communication, and customizable digital displays. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The car also offered multi-contour seats, a Burmester stereo, and a front camera that activated automatically when pulling into a space. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package and Track Pace app, were more novelty than necessity.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in SE, SEL, and N Line trims. The Limited trim included a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen. This setup offered a dynamic natural voice recognition system and a Sounds of Nature function. The Limited Hybrid's voice recognition system performed inconsistently, but a Hyundai spokesperson demonstrated better results in a different car. The Elantra also offered a new Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key, which allowed for remote access and use of the vehicle.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were expected to perform similarly. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, including Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during a side collision, and crosswind stabilization. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Every Elantra came equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Additional safety features included cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist, which offered smooth and accurate performance.