2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series returned to its traditional familial look, reminiscent of the classic E30 3 Series. However, the G20 3 Series appeared stuffy, with a large, oddly-shaped grille that seemed out of place on the smaller sedan. The design lacked distinctive features beyond the grille and headlights, which referenced older models' "halo" lights. Our test car, equipped with M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers from the optional M Sport trim package, added some flair. The interior design was nice but marred by unimpressive materials, with plastic trim and fake-looking Ash wood. Leather upholstery was optional, with synthetic Sensatec material as standard. The optional M heated steering wheel looked out of place in the otherwise conservative interior.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. Our test car, an AMG E53 Cabriolet, featured ten grand worth of matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. Even at its base price of $85,400, the E53 struggled to justify its cost, but it looked sensational. Modern Mercedes designs had a purity to them, and the AMG styling, larger wheels, convertible top, and matte-blue paint finish made the E53 Cabriolet perfection. Inside, the high-end spec included bright digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, artfully executed Burmester speaker grilles, and soft, supple leather, exuding luxury.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered three powertrains. The base 330i had a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid combined a less-powerful version of that engine with electric assist for 288 hp and 310 lb-ft, including an XtraBoost overboost function. The M340i featured a turbo inline-six with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All powertrains were available with RWD or xDrive AWD, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M340i accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i took 5.6 seconds. Despite the extra weight, the RWD 330e matched the 330i's zero to 60 mph time of 5.6 seconds. However, the transition from electric to gasoline power was clunky, and the driving experience lacked engagement, leaving us underwhelmed.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided robust throttle response across the rev range, with a quoted acceleration time of 4.4 seconds to 60 mph. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system delivered power to the pavement, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes altering the car's character. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, enhanced the driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet offered a dual personality, providing a quiet and cushy ride or a firm and sure-footed performance on twisty roads.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered better-than-average interior space for a small luxury sedan. Rear headroom was the best in the segment, and front headroom was above average. Legroom in both rows was about average, and the 3 Series lacked the shoulder room of the Acura TLX. Gasoline models had 17 cubic feet of cargo space, but the 330e plug-in hybrid's battery pack reduced it to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk's long-and-narrow shape required an awkward reach to maximize space, though a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat was standard. The cockpit was well-designed, with a touchscreen positioned for easy reach and good outward visibility.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seats and an Aircap system to reduce turbulence. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with standard heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, and heated armrests. The Airscarf neck-warming system was also standard. For hot weather, sun-reflective leather and available ventilated front seats kept the cabin cool. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped maintain a cool and quiet interior. The test car had multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, providing comfort on long drives. The trunk held 9.5 cubic feet of cargo with the top raised, but this volume was halved with the top down.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came with the standard iDrive infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB ports. Gasoline models included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only had CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system added a digital instrument cluster and navigation, with an available head-up display. The infotainment system in our test car felt premium, with high-quality graphics and responsive controls. BMW provided multiple control options, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls. Some features felt gimmicky, but the system offered flexibility in control methods.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens forming the foundation. The screens were full-color, high-resolution displays that remained visible in sunlight. MBUX could be controlled via the touchscreen, center console controls, digital voice assistant, or touch-sensing buttons on the steering wheel. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with upgrades like WiFi service and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available. The MBUX system was complex but user-friendly, with customization options and a broad menu structure.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests. However, headlight scores were mixed, and the optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower than the base system in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention. The NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the 2021 3 Series. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Driving Assistant Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automated lane centering, while a lower-level package included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for an impact and protecting ears from damage during a collision. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. The extra-cost Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, and more. The package provided impressive driver aids, including signaled lane-change functionality and Active Emergency Stop Assist.