2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, harkened back to the E-Class from two generations prior with its rounded, smooth body. While some critics felt it was overly streamlined, the resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class made it a recognizable and respectable member of the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan, in particular, looked rich with the traditional hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, although most models featured a sport grille with a large Mercedes emblem. LED lighting added a delicate touch, and the car's proportions were visually appealing across different models and wheel sizes.

The cabriolet version of the E-Class particularly benefited from the fluid, creaseless form, with the contrasting soft top revealing a luxurious interior. The E-Class delighted with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood, complemented by two feet of high-res digital screens stretching across the dash. Industrial elements like circular air vents and knurled silver toggles for climate control offset the modern touchpads and thumbpads. Ambient lighting in 64 colors, heated armrests, massaging seats, and striking colors created a serene environment. Even the base model, with leatherette and standard seats, felt a cut above its competitors.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out for its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, however, was more popular in the U.S., competing directly with other upmarket sedans. Regardless of body style, the Mazda3 looked special, with our test vehicle featuring the Premium Package and AWD. The 18-inch alloy wheels fit well in the sedan's wheel wells, and the blacked-out mesh front grille and round running lamps added to its appeal. The side profile was sculpted without being angular, unlike competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

The rear of the Mazda3 sedan felt slightly out of proportion, especially compared to the larger Mazda6, but the hatchback's rounded shape eliminated this issue. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and slim buttons on the steering wheel. The air vents on either side of the information display's cowl gave a cockpit feel. Materials were soft and padded, though not quite up to luxury sedan standards. The redesigned cupholders and extended armrest supported the driver-focused design. However, the sheet metal felt less sturdy, with a light and hollow sound when closing the trunk or doors.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350, which replaced the E300. The E350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The revised turbo and shorter intake runners provided quicker response, though the car's weight made passing maneuvers challenging. The E450, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, offering a more balanced and effortless performance. The AMG E53 added an electric motor-generator to the V6 for 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, while the AMG E63 S, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, produced 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, featuring a drift mode for extreme performance. Fuel economy varied from 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, redesigned for 2019, featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter engine in lower trims, offering a more consistent powertrain across the lineup. While the engine was predictable, it lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. Mazda announced a turbocharged version for 2021. The Mazda3 offered a six-speed manual transmission in FWD hatchback models with higher trim levels, while most models featured a six-speed automatic transmission. The switch from a multi-link rear suspension to a torsion beam setup affected ride quality, but steering remained precise with minimal roll through corners.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complex COMAND infotainment system, which could be unwieldy on the large, non-touchscreens. The system required multiple steps for various functions, making it highly distracting. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality with seat controls on the door panels, ample space, and clear sightlines. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. The front passenger seat could slide forward for extra rear space, and a net in the front passenger footwell provided additional storage.

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. Despite compact dimensions, the interior offered plenty of room for the driver and supportive front seats with ample adjustment. The rear seat was tight on legroom, but the soft front seatbacks mitigated discomfort. The sedan's trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment. The large transmission hump in the rear middle seat was a drawback.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system with features like self-steering, lane changes, and obstacle avoidance. The Driver Assistance Package offered a comprehensive suite of features. The V2X system communicated with nearby Mercedes models about road hazards. The digital dash could be reconfigured, and the Burmester stereo provided surround-sound modes. Other features included a front camera, multi-contour seats, and the Energizing Comfort Package, which adjusted climate and lighting settings. AMG models had a Track Pace app for race track guidance.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, eliminating the tacked-on look. The system was not a touchscreen, with navigation and infotainment controlled via a rotary dial between the front seats. Dedicated buttons and an enhanced volume knob complemented the system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM were available. The infotainment software was faster with sharp graphics, and the head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet were not tested but were considered equally safe. Innovations included Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during side collisions, and crosswind countermeasures. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with 14 optional driver-assist features.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and Good ratings for the Premium Package's LED headlights. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Mazda 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, many of which were standard.