2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presented a refreshing departure from the cold, technical aesthetics of many modern vehicles. It featured a long hood and short deck proportions, with softly rounded forms and cleanly penned flanks. The star-map grille texture and star-shaped taillight illumination added distinctive character, while a sweep of chrome defined the roofline. The variety of expressive wheel designs contributed to a look that promised to age gracefully. As it went on sale, the E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, starting at $62,300 plus a destination charge. However, most of the advanced features were bundled into various option packages. Our test car, an E 350 4Matic, was heavily optioned, bringing the MSRP to $82,450. The interior was a blend of luxury and technology, featuring Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a Superscreen triple-display glass panel, and an active ambient lighting system.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received significant styling updates, particularly in its front fascia, which was crowned with a slim lightbar called the “seamless horizon lamp.” This modern flair was complemented by a badge repositioned above the grille and independently placed headlights. The rear end featured a lightbar forming a wide “H” shape with the taillights, resembling the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe. From the side, the Sonata looked similar to the 2023 model, with our Limited-trim test car sporting 17-inch wheels and a fashionable enamel gray color called “Transmission Blue.” The interior saw changes in the dashboard, with vents flowing across and a redesigned steering wheel. The gear shifter was moved to the steering column, and the interior offered three color schemes. Our test car’s interior was basic black, with options for light gray and a tan and charcoal combo.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the E 350 4Matic, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. For more power, the E 450 4Matic featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and included 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system assisted in fuel economy, though our test observed 23.8 mpg compared to the EPA’s 27 mpg estimate. The E 350 offered a comfortable and quiet ride, especially with the optional Airmatic Package, which included an adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering. While not a sports sedan, the E-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and soothing driving experience.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduced an all-wheel-drive system for the gas version, but the hybrid remained front-wheel-drive. Its 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine and electric motor produced a total of 192 horsepower, routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite not using a CVT, the Sonata Hybrid achieved an EPA rating of 47 mpg combined. The steering wheel paddles managed regenerative braking levels in Eco mode and allowed gear shifting in Sport mode. The brakes were touchy, but the steering feel and handling were appropriate. The configurable driver-information display allowed simultaneous viewing of the tachometer and hybrid system’s power flow. The novelty of accelerating at 0 RPM remained intriguing throughout our week with the car.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered comfortable front seats with options for MB-Tex artificial leather, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather. The seats were heated and power-operated, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. The center console shape was a minor issue, lacking padding for comfort. The rear seat entry was challenging due to intrusive wheel wells, but once seated, passengers enjoyed good leg support and a tall riding position. The trunk offered 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, though this seemed optimistic. The trunk was tall enough for full-size suitcases, and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat expanded capacity.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid provided competitive space and flexibility. The Limited trim’s panoramic moonroof offered 37.8 inches of front-seat headroom, slightly above competitors like the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. Rear-seat headroom was also competitive, with 37.4 inches with the moonroof. The front row prioritized legroom with 46.1 inches, while the rear had 34.8 inches. The Limited-trim test car featured heated and ventilated seats and a slimmer steering wheel rim for comfort. The trunk close button was a neat convenience feature, though not entirely necessary in a sedan.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, pairing a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The digital instrumentation offered four themes, and an optional head-up display provided additional information. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system with augmented video technology. The MBUX allowed saving up to 800 vehicle settings to seven driver profiles and programming routines for specific times or locations. Online music and video streaming were available, and a 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system was optional. The Superscreen Package added a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the passenger and a video camera for conference calls. The MBUX technology was intuitive and responsive, with a conversational digital voice assistant.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a selectable USB-C port for data-transmitting or charging-only functionality, complementing the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on all trims. The curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display, with logical and intuitive haptic buttons for climate control and media functions. The Limited trim included navigation, natural language voice-recognition, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. A six-speaker sound system, HD Radio, Sirius XM, and two rear-seat USB charging ports were standard, along with a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package offering 15 additional technologies for $1,950. Highlights included upgraded Pre-Safe pre-collision features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping, lane-centering, and lane-change systems. The Automatic Lane Change function worked well but was less comfortable in fast-flowing traffic. Active Speed Limit Assist and Route-based Speed Adaptation systems were liabilities in fast traffic but could be turned off. The lane-keeping assist system was impressive, steering the car back to the center of the lane when needed.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning and assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and rear occupant alert. The Limited trim added a blind-spot-view monitor, surround-view monitor, Highway Driving Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Hyundai’s infotainment system made safety features easy to find and use, with clear graphics explaining each function.