2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out due to its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, however, was more popular among U.S. shoppers aiming for an upmarket feel. The test vehicle, a sedan with the Premium Package and AWD, featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out mesh front grille, and round running lamps. The side profile was sculpted without sharp lines, unlike competitors. The rear design of the sedan felt somewhat disproportionate, but the hatchback's rounded shape mitigated this issue. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and a driver-focused design. However, the sheet metal felt low rent, lacking the solid construction found in more expensive luxury sedans.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, redesigned for the W213 generation, adopted a fluid, curvier form inspired by the S-Class and C-Class. The 2021 model introduced edgier front designs and horizontal taillights reminiscent of the W212. The standing hood ornament was discontinued, favoring a sportier look with a large star emblem in the grille. The AMG models featured vertical grille slats and quad exhaust tips, adding to their aggressive appearance. Inside, the E-Class was a showcase of luxurious materials, including rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber. The cabin featured two 12-inch screens, new steering wheels with touch-sensitive controls, and elaborate ambient lighting, creating a lavish and modern environment.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's performance was compromised by its torsion beam rear suspension, a cost-cutting measure that replaced the previous multi-link setup. While this decision affected ride quality, the precise steering and minimal body roll remained impressive. The 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine produced 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation. However, the engine lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. The Mazda3 Turbo, announced for 2021, promised a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. The manual transmission was available only in FWD hatchback models with higher trim levels, making it a costly option. Most Mazda3s came with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced electrified inline-six powertrains for the E450, replacing the conventional V6 engines. The E450's hybrid system, featuring a 48-volt electrical system, provided extra power and torque for brief periods, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The 3.0-liter I6 engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with additional overboost from the battery. The AMG E53 added a second turbo, increasing output to 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG E63 S, with a 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivered 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, making it a high-performance variant. The E-Class offered a range of driving modes, from comfortable to sporty, ensuring a versatile driving experience. Fuel economy varied, with the E450 4Matic achieving 26 mpg combined, while the AMG models had lower ratings.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. The interior provided ample room for the driver, with supportive front seats and soft surfaces. However, rear legroom was tight, and the large transmission hump in the rear middle seat was a drawback. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen, making it more user-friendly. The cabin was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably with ample headroom and legroom. The sedan offered 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the coupe and convertible had less. The wagon provided 35 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 64 cubic feet with the seats folded. The E-Class All-Terrain wagon added ground clearance and body cladding for a more rugged look. The interior boasted luxurious materials and advanced features, including seat kinetics and massaging seats.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's 8.8-inch infotainment display was integrated into the dashboard, avoiding a tacked-on look. However, it lacked touch functionality, relying on a rotary dial controller for navigation and infotainment. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with a touchscreen interface. The system was better organized, with shortcut buttons and gesture controls. Natural voice processing and online searches operated like Siri or Alexa. The system included features like live camera feeds, massaging seats, and seat kinetics. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless, the E-Class offered 4G WiFi and various connected services. Optional driving assists provided advanced safety features, and the instrument cluster could be customized with different graphics.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, receiving Good ratings in all crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with the driver's side receiving a four-star rating in the frontal crash test. The 2020 E-Class sedan was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The E-Class offered innovative safety features, including Pre-Safe Sound, side bolsters that shift occupants during a side collision, and crosswind assist. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.