2023 Dodge Charger vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2023 Dodge Charger retained much of its design from its 2015 update, featuring a sleek nose and sharp LED taillights. Despite its age, the Charger maintained a distinct and modern appearance compared to competitors like the Accord, Altima, and Camry. The R/T Scatpack Swinger model, with its widebody kit and 20-inch wheels, showcased a bold design with flared fenders, a large hood scoop, and deep-dish bronze wheels. The interior, however, felt dated with its small touchscreen and plasticky knobs, though it offered a basic yet adequate space for driving excitement.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presented a fresh design with long hood and short deck proportions, rounded forms, and bold detailing. The E-Class featured a star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillight illumination, and a chrome-defined roofline, promising a timeless look. Available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, the E-Class offered a luxurious interior with Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a Superscreen triple-display glass panel, and an active ambient lighting system, blending classic luxury with modern technology.

The 2023 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 292 to 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. While the V6 was the only engine paired with all-wheel drive, its performance was lackluster. The Charger excelled with its Hemi V8 engines, including the 5.7-liter with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, and the 6.4-liter V8 in the Scatpack with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Hellcat models, with up to 807 hp, delivered exhilarating performance but struggled with traction and fuel efficiency. The Charger's handling was commendable, with good grip and steering precision, though it was best suited for straight-line speed.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the E 350 4Matic, producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The E 450 4Matic offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, along with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The E-Class excelled in comfort and ride quality, especially with the optional Airmatic Package, providing a smooth and composed driving experience.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its large size, felt cramped inside. Headroom was adequate, but the footwells were tight, and the transmission tunnel limited rear legroom. The trunk offered 16.5 cubic feet of space. The Charger's controls were straightforward, with large buttons and switches for climate and audio systems, providing a familiar and distraction-free environment.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a comfortable interior with supportive front seats available in various leather options. The rear seats provided good leg support, though entry and exit were challenging due to intrusive wheel wells. The trunk offered 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added versatility. The E-Class featured ample storage options, including sizable door pockets and a hidden center console bin.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance features. It featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of performance settings, including throttle, steering, and transmission, with features like launch control and line lock for drag racing enthusiasts.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented video technology, and online music and video streaming. The Superscreen Package added a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the passenger and a video camera for conference calls. The MBUX system was intuitive and responsive, with a digital voice assistant and artificial intelligence for personalized experiences.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. It offered optional safety features like forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control on select models. However, major safety assists were not standard, and the backup camera was of low quality.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package offering 15 additional technologies for $1,950. It included upgraded Pre-Safe features, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping and lane-centering systems. The Automatic Lane Change function and Active Speed Limit Assist were useful but could be turned off if desired. The E-Class's ADAS was practical and effective in daily driving situations.