Compare the2023 Mercedes AMG E-Class WagonVS 2023 Dodge Charger SRT

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes AMG E-Class Wagon have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Dodge Charger SRT doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Mercedes AMG E-Class Wagon has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The AMG E-Class Wagon has standard Active Brake Assist, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Charger SRT doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The AMG E-Class Wagon offers an optional Post Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The AMG E-Class Wagon has a standard Maneuvering Brake Function that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The AMG E-Class Wagon has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s optional lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The AMG E-Class Wagon has a standard Surround View System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Charger SRT only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

Both the AMG E-Class Wagon and Charger SRT have rear cross-traffic warning, but the AMG E-Class Wagon has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Charger SRT’s Rear Cross Path Detection doesn’t automatically brake.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the AMG E-Class Wagon and the Charger SRT have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mercedes AMG E-Class Wagon is safer than the Dodge Charger SRT:

	AMG E-Class Wagon	Charger SRT
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Stress	186 lbs.	230 lbs.
Neck Compression	21 lbs.	41 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	387/578 lbs.	582/440 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	29%	33%
Neck Stress	120 lbs.	155 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	257/126 lbs.	267/469 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mercedes AMG E-Class Wagon is safer than the Dodge Charger SRT:

	AMG E-Class Wagon	Charger SRT
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	132	138
Chest Movement	1.1 inches	1.4 inches
Abdominal Force	149 lbs.	212 lbs.
Hip Force	223 lbs.	372 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	11 inches	15 inches
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	48 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The AMG E-Class Wagon comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Charger SRT’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Reliability

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the AMG E-Class Wagon has an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of the engines in the Charger SRT.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the AMG E-Class Wagon has a standard 850-amp battery. The Charger SRT’s 730-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

Engine

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the AMG E-Class Wagon gets better mileage than the Charger SRT:

		MPG
AMG E-Class Wagon
	4.0 turbo V8	16 city/24 hwy
Charger SRT
	6.2 supercharged V8	12 city/21 hwy
	Redeye 6.2 supercharged V8	12 city/21 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the AMG E-Class Wagon’s fuel efficiency. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the AMG E-Class Wagon’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The AMG E-Class Wagon has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Charger SRT (21.1 vs. 18.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes AMG E-Class Wagon higher (5 out of 10) than the Dodge Charger SRT (1). This means the AMG E-Class Wagon produces up to 39 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Charger SRT every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes AMG E-Class Wagon, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Charger SRT.

Tires and Wheels

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Charger SRT’s standard 35 series tires.

Suspension and Handling

The front and rear suspension of the AMG E-Class Wagon uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Charger SRT, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The AMG E-Class Wagon has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The AMG E-Class Wagon’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (54% to 46%) than the Charger SRT’s (56.7% to 43.3%). This gives the AMG E-Class Wagon more stable handling and braking.

The AMG E 63 S Wagon handles at .98 G’s, while the Charger SRT Hellcat pulls only .93 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

Chassis

The AMG E-Class Wagon is 3.9 inches shorter than the Charger SRT, making the AMG E-Class Wagon easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Mercedes AMG E-Class Wagon amounts to more than styling. The AMG E-Class Wagon has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .32 Cd. That is significantly lower than the Charger SRT (.3763) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the AMG E-Class Wagon get better fuel mileage.

Passenger Space

The AMG E-Class Wagon has 2.8 inches more front hip room, 1.6 inches more rear headroom and 2.7 inches more rear hip room than the Charger SRT.

Cargo Capacity

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the AMG E-Class Wagon’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the AMG E-Class Wagon’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Charger SRT, the AMG E-Class Wagon has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The AMG E-Class Wagon offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Charger SRT’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Charger SRT’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the AMG E-Class Wagon the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote (remote must be aimed at door sensor). On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Charger SRT can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Charger SRT’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The AMG E-Class Wagon has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Charger SRT’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer fluid is standard on the AMG E-Class Wagon to defrost the washer nozzles and quickly clear ice and frost from the windshield without scraping. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer heated windshield washer fluid. Its standard heated washer nozzles will defrost the washer fluid but not the windshield.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the AMG E-Class Wagon has a standard rear wiper. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the AMG E-Class Wagon detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the AMG E-Class Wagon offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the AMG E-Class Wagon has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the AMG E-Class Wagon to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The AMG E-Class Wagon offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Charger SRT.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the AMG E-Class Wagon offers an optional Active Distance Assist Distronic, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes AMG E-Class has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The AMG E-Class Wagon offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The AMG E-Class Wagon’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Charger SRT doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The Mercedes AMG E-Class comes in coupe, convertible, sedan and station wagon bodystyles; the Dodge Charger SRT isn’t available as a coupe, convertible or station wagon.

Recommendations

Motor Trend selected the E-Class as their 2021 Car of the Year. The Charger SRT has never been chosen.