2022 BMW i4 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2022 BMW i4 was a striking vehicle, with its design closely mirroring the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe. Its oversized grille was a point of contention, and the use of the term "Gran Coupe" for what was essentially a four-door sedan with a rear hatch added to the confusion. Despite these quirks, the i4 boasted a more aerodynamic profile than its gasoline counterpart, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base eDrive40 and 0.25 for the M50 model. This was achieved through various design tweaks, including a smooth underbody and an active grille flap. The interior of the i4 balanced modern minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls, though leather upholstery was not standard.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, showcasing its versatility. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, was a luxurious spectacle with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. The E-Class exuded a modern design purity, especially when equipped with AMG styling and a convertible top. Inside, the E53 Cabriolet was a haven of luxury, with high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and supple leather. The car was designed for both comfort and performance, making it a standout in the luxury segment.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered impressive performance figures, with the base eDrive40 model producing 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor powertrain, delivered 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4 was engineered for superior handling, with a low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The Dynamic Handling Package further enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a joy to drive. However, the adaptive recuperation system for regenerative braking was not entirely convincing, as it sometimes lacked the strength for one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the E53 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided a dynamic driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet was versatile, offering a comfortable cruising experience or a spirited drive through winding roads. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system added to its appeal, making it a well-rounded performer.

The 2022 BMW i4 had a low seating position despite its battery pack, but the fastback roof limited headroom. The interior felt open, with an efficiently designed center console. However, the seats were flat and hard, lacking the expected bolstering. The i4 offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, less than its competitors, and did not include a front trunk.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating and an Aircap system to reduce cabin turbulence. The focus was on front passenger comfort, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming system. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of space with the top up, but this was reduced when the top was down.

The 2022 BMW i4 featured the latest iDrive8 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central touchscreen. It included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other connectivity features. The user experience was familiar to BMW drivers, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens. It was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods, including voice commands. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional features like WiFi and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester audio system was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2022 BMW i4 came with standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Parking Assistant Package offered a 360-degree camera system and parking aids.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The E-Class Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced safety systems, enhancing the car's safety credentials.