2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. Its bodywork was a blend of drama and sophistication, offering a balance of daring and refinement. The sedan version, which was tested, provided a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, came with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between standard and Premium Plus trims. The test sedan, with Premium Plus trim and additional features, was priced at $33,890.

Inside, the Mazda3 aimed for a premium feel with options like Nappa leather upholstery. The sedan offered a choice of black or white leather, while the hatchback had black or red options. The test car's white leather interior was visually striking, contributing to Mazda's push into the premium market. Despite some use of hard plastics, the interior design was focused on the driver, with a well-integrated infotainment system and clear gauges. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus was a testament to Mazda's entry into the luxury segment.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon, showcasing its versatility. The E350 sedan featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The AMG E53 model, tested as a Cabriolet, delivered a powerful performance with its AMG-tuned engine producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The E53 Cabriolet, with its AMG styling and luxurious features, was priced at $85,400, with options pushing it close to $110,000.

The E-Class Cabriolet's design was a blend of modern Mercedes purity and AMG enhancements. The test car's matte-blue paint and convertible top added to its allure. Inside, the high-end spec offered luxury with digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and premium leather. The E53 Cabriolet was a dual-purpose vehicle, offering a quiet and comfortable ride for leisurely drives and a dynamic performance for spirited driving. The car's ability to transform its character made it a standout in the luxury convertible segment.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was a standout in performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When fueled with 93-octane gas, it produced 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while 87-octane fuel resulted in 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The Turbo model's added power and torque transformed the driving experience, offering smooth and predictable performance.

Mazda's tuning of the powertrain for the 2.5 Turbo aimed for a balance of speed and smoothness. The Sport mode adjusted the transmission and G-Vectoring Control Plus for improved cornering. The Turbo model featured stiffer front suspension springs and dampers, contributing to its sporty character. Despite the absence of summer tires, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was finely calibrated for driving pleasure. The car's dynamic tuning and engine note added to the driving experience, making it a car that drivers could trust and enjoy.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power delivery was robust, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured the power was effectively utilized. The E53 Cabriolet offered multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the car's character to their preferences.

The AMG E53 Cabriolet's dual personality was evident, offering a comfortable and quiet ride for leisurely drives and a dynamic performance for spirited driving. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system enhanced the driving experience. The car's ability to transform its character made it suitable for various driving scenarios, from cruising along the coast to tackling mountain roads. The E53 Cabriolet's performance was complemented by its luxurious features, making it a standout in the luxury convertible segment.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo offered a luxurious feel with Nappa leather and heated front seats, but lacked some premium features. The driver-focused cabin provided eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, but the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers faced cramped accommodations without air conditioning vents or USB ports. In-cabin storage was adequate, but the wireless smartphone charging location reduced storage capacity. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfort for adults in both the front and rear seats. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down. The focus was on driver and front passenger comfort, with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and rapid-heating front seats. The Airscarf neck-warming system and sun-reflective leather added to the comfort. The triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. The test car featured multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system, enhancing long-drive comfort. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of space with the top raised, but this was reduced when the top was down.

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. A WiFi hotspot and MyMazda smartphone app were available. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system required using the center console control knob for functions like changing radio stations. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, but the infotainment system was a source of irritation. The Active Driving Display provided useful information, including speed and safety technology status.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in digital instrumentation and infotainment with the MBUX system. Two 12.3-inch screens formed the foundation, offering high-resolution displays. Interaction options included the touchscreen, center console controls, digital voice assistant, and steering wheel buttons. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. The MBUX system was user-friendly, but the digital assistant could be accidentally activated. In a convertible, wind noise could affect the assistant's performance.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support the driver. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The ADAS operated smoothly, encouraging driver use. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for a collision. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera system aided parking. The optional Driver Assistance Package added features like adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist. The package was effective, with adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist being particularly impressive.