2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 Mazda MAZDA3

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 being angular, unlike many competitors. The rear design of the sedan felt somewhat disproportionate, but the hatchback's rounded shape mitigated this issue.

Inside, the Mazda3 leaned towards premium design with a minimalist approach. The test car had creamy white leather, slim steering wheel buttons, and a cockpit-style feel due to the air vents' placement. Materials were padded and leather-clad, though not quite luxury-grade. The redesigned cupholder placement improved driver comfort. However, the sheet metal felt low-quality, with doors and trunk closures sounding hollow.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, while not drastically different in exterior styling from its predecessor, boasted a drag coefficient of 0.22 and was slightly larger in all dimensions. The car's size and classic Mercedes design elements, like the hood ornament and grille, made a strong impression. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 20-inch or 21-inch options, with the 20-inch wheels filling the wheel wells nicely.

The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach. Ambient lighting was taken to a new level with 250 LED elements and 64 color options. Materials included Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and aluminum inlays. The two-panel glass roof provided ample light for both rows. However, the piano-black trim was prone to smudging and reflections, detracting from the overall luxury feel.

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 affected ride quality, the precise steering and minimal body roll remained strong points. 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 units. A six-speed manual transmission was available only in specific FWD hatchback models, while most cars came with a six-speed automatic.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque in the S500 4Matic, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque in the S580 4Matic. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for short bursts. The S500 and S580 achieved 0-60 mph times of 4.8 and 4.4 seconds, respectively, with top speeds limited to 130 mph. The S-Class also introduced rear-wheel steering and an advanced air suspension system, enhancing both maneuverability and ride comfort.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was 175.6 inches long. The interior provided ample room for the driver, though rear legroom was tight. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with materials holding up well even after 10,000 miles. The rear middle seat was hindered by a large transmission hump. Cargo space was 13.2 cubic feet in the sedan and 20.1 cubic feet in the hatchback, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered more headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor, with segment-leading shoulder room. Cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, though still less than other luxury sedans. The power-adjustable front seats featured 19 motors, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, with head restraints equipped with pillows. The center console provided ample storage, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, controlled via a rotary dial rather than touch. This design aimed to reduce driver distraction. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated MBUX system offered increased computing power and more touchscreen reliance. The augmented-reality HUD projected navigation arrows, and the ambient lighting reacted to various functions. The digital instrument cluster had beautiful graphics, but the steering-wheel touchpads were small and hard to use. The S-Class also allowed for personal profiles accessed via biometric or facial recognition.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received 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 S-Class had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured a rear-passenger airbag and standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, traffic-sign recognition, a driver-attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed exceptionally well.