2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, which was tested, showcased a blend of drama and sophistication, while the hatchback variant, though not tested, 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, aimed to elevate Mazda into the premium segment, offering a high-contrast, two-tone design, and meticulous attention to detail, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, retaining its fantastic design from the previous year, continued to defy the notion that sedans were becoming obsolete. The S-Class, rooted in a rich history dating back to 1954, represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's sedan lineup. The exterior was sleek, with a long profile and elegant design elements, including a proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament. Inside, the S-Class dazzled with a waterfall of open-pore wood trim, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, all crafted with high-quality materials and meticulous assembly.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by 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 Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, the Turbo model offered a transformative driving experience. The car's performance was enhanced by stiffer front suspension springs and dampers, improved steering feel, and a G-Vectoring Control Plus system for better cornering. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, specifically the S500 model, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with EQ Boost, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor. The S580 model offered a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with the same EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD. The S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. Fuel economy for the S500 was rated at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, and the S580 at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features, such as power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat ventilation. Storage was adequate, with a 13.2-cubic-foot trunk in the sedan and up to 47.1 cubic feet in the hatchback with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a luxurious and spacious cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk offered ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports, a 115-volt power supply, and advanced seating options, including active multicontour seats with massage and memory functions. The Executive Line package added even more luxury for rear passengers, including heated armrests and a high-end rear-seat entertainment system.

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 significant drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system provided good audio quality, but the infotainment system's usability issues were a source of frustration.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel and optional 3D instrument cluster added to the high-tech experience. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality HUD provided clear and futuristic driving assistance. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system, with an optional 4D upgrade, delivered an immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver, with features like adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam LED headlights, 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.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Magic Vision Control, active distance assist, active brake assist, and Pre-Safe systems. The car-to-x communication system allowed the S-Class to share and receive road condition warnings. Rear-passenger airbags and other executive-level safety features were available for added protection.