2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan market with its bold and distinctive design, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles. This styling was part of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language, which included unique features like the Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, intended to break conventional design rules and give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra's interior varied in quality and technology depending on the trim level, with the Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray offering a modern and upscale look. The light gray seats and contrasting black cabin elements provided a sophisticated feel, while the SEL with the Premium Package had a more subdued interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, particularly the AMG E53 Cabriolet, exuded luxury and elegance. The E-Class was available in various body styles, but the Cabriolet version was a true four-passenger convertible with a focus on comfort and style. The AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a matte-blue paint finish, AMG styling, and larger wheels, creating a visually stunning appearance. Inside, the high-end spec test vehicle boasted luxurious materials, including premium leather and carbon fiber trim, along with advanced features like high-resolution digital displays and a Burmester sound system. The E-Class Cabriolet was designed for those who appreciate both performance and opulence.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, each catering to different driving preferences. The standard Elantra SEL was equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While it provided adequate power for city driving, it felt underpowered on the highway. The Elantra Limited Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it fell short of EPA estimates in mountainous terrain. The Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower, offering a sportier driving experience with its manual transmission and sport-tuned suspension. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower, delivered exhilarating performance and precise handling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet, powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generated 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided robust performance across the rev range, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was efficiently delivered to the road. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced its dynamic capabilities, allowing it to transition seamlessly from a comfortable cruiser to a spirited performer on winding roads. The car's dual personality made it suitable for both relaxed drives along the coast and spirited runs through mountain passes.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a spacious interior, with the EPA classifying it as a midsize car. The driver's seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, ensuring comfort for various drivers. Heated front seats were standard, with the Limited Hybrid adding ventilated front cushions. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks. The Elantra boasted best-in-class rear-seat legroom, providing ample space for adults, though the backrest shape and angle were less supportive. The trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, prioritizing driver and front passenger comfort. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system ensured comfort in cooler weather. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, enhancing long-distance comfort. The trunk provided 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top up, though this was reduced when the top was down, limiting storage capacity.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured a range of technology options depending on the trim level. The SE, SEL, and N Line trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, providing a more advanced and visually appealing interface. However, this upgrade sacrificed wireless smartphone integration. The Elantra also offered a Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key, allowing smartphone-based access and control.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with its MBUX system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation of the system, offering high-resolution displays and intuitive controls. MBUX could be operated via touchscreen, physical controls, voice commands, or steering wheel buttons, providing flexibility and ease of use. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. The test car featured a Burmester surround-sound audio system, delivering exceptional audio quality. While MBUX was generally user-friendly, its extensive menu structure required some acclimation.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with structural enhancements for improved collision energy management. It 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 blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Optional upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Hyundai's Highway Drive Assist, offering Level 2 ADAS capabilities.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were also standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for potential collisions. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and more, enhancing the E-Class's safety capabilities.