2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its dramatic and sophisticated bodywork. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a conservative yet elegant appearance, while the hatchback variant was noted for its aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and a Premium Plus trim, with the test sedan priced at $33,890. The interior, especially with the white leather upholstery, exuded a premium feel, supported by meticulous design details and high-quality materials, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained a familiar exterior design but boasted a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it aerodynamically superior. The new model was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a more imposing presence. The interior was dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist design approach. Ambient lighting with 250 LED elements and high-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim added to the luxurious feel, although the piano-black trim was prone to smudges and reflections.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, the car delivered a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Turbo model's enhanced suspension and steering provided a sporty yet comfortable ride, with a focus on driver engagement. Despite its performance, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque for the S500 4Matic, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft for the S580 4Matic. Both engines featured EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft for short bursts. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class also included standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control, along with rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and well-balanced handling.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, felt luxurious. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The driver-focused cabin offered adequate storage and a competitive trunk space of 13.2 cubic feet. The hatchback variant provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provided 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 some competitors. The front seats, with 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, were exceptionally comfortable. The center console offered ample storage, and the optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control, making the S-Class suitable for chauffeur service.

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 of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system provided good audio quality, especially with FLAC files. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was useful and visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated MBUX system offered increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. The 30-speaker Burmester audio system and rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens were notable features. The augmented-reality HUD and biometric or facial recognition for personal profiles added to the advanced tech offerings, though some features like ambient lighting reactions seemed gimmicky.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver, with features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, adaptive front lighting, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and low-speed reverse automatic braking. The Mazda3 earned top five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and a rear-passenger airbag. Improvements in traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist were noted, along with a new steering wheel with capacitive sensors. The S-Class' driver-assist systems performed smoothly and effectively, handling highway curves and traffic changes with ease.