2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, harkened back to the E-Class models from two generations prior with its rounded, smooth body. While some critics felt it was overly streamlined, the E-Class maintained a recognizable and respectable family resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan, in particular, looked especially rich with the traditional hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, though most models featured a sport grille with a large Mercedes emblem. The LED lighting, delicate and sophisticated, added to the car's visual appeal, and the proportions remained visually pleasing 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 sumptuous interior. The interior, when specified with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood, was a delight. Two feet of high-resolution digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by industrial elements like circular air vents and knurled silver toggles for climate control. The ambient lighting, available in 64 colors with various animations, added to the luxurious feel. Even the base model, with leatherette and standard seats, felt several cuts above other cars in its segment.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, won the prestigious World Car Design of the Year for 2020. Its bodywork reflected a blend of drama and sophistication, with the 4-door sedan offering a more conservative look compared to the aggressive, forward-leaning stance of the 5-door hatchback. The sedan version of the 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, which was tested, provided plenty of visual and sensory entertainment.

The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured all-wheel drive and came in standard or Premium Plus trim. The base price for the sedan started at $29,900, with the hatchback at $33,750 for the Premium Plus trim. The test car, a sedan with Premium Plus trim and Machine Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $33,890, including the destination charge. Interior options varied by trim level, with the Premium Plus offering supple Nappa leather. The test car's white leather interior provided a high-contrast, premium feel, supported by meticulous design details and bright metallic accents.

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 design and shorter intake runners provided quicker response, though the car's performance above 40 mph was less impressive. The E450, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, offered a more balanced and powerful driving experience. The AMG models, including the E53 and E63 S, provided even more performance, with the E63 S boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the E63 S rated at 16/23 mpg.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight while significantly enhancing performance, delivering smooth and predictable power. The car's Sport mode adjusted transmission and G-Vectoring Control Plus for improved cornering. The Mazda3 Turbo's suspension, steering, and brakes were finely tuned for a sporty driving experience, though it lacked a summer tire option. The car averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complex COMAND infotainment system, which could be unwieldy on the car's large screens. The lack of touchscreens made it challenging to navigate through various settings and menus. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality with features like seat and seat climate 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 small children. The car also offered practical storage solutions, such as a net in the front passenger footwell.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo, lined in Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, felt luxurious. However, it lacked some premium features, such as power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat ventilation. In-cabin storage was adequate but limited, especially with the optional wireless smartphone charging located in the center console bin. The sedan's trunk space measured 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system, V2X communication, and customizable digital displays. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features, such as the Driver Assistance Package and Energizing Comfort Package, added to the car's tech-forward appeal. The Burmester stereo and multi-contour seats further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. The system lacked a touchscreen, relying on voice recognition and a control knob, which could be frustrating to use. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system provided excellent audio quality, especially with FLAC files. The car also included a head-up display, which remained visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were expected to perform similarly. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during a side collision. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 included the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems, designed to support rather than replace the driver. The Premium Plus trim added exclusive features like a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top five-star ratings in NHTSA testing and was expected to retain its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.