2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued its legacy without significant changes, available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback styles. It offered a range of models from the affordable Mazda3 2.0 sedan to the sporty Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety with five trim levels and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, priced at $35,810, featured a sleek Polymetal Gray Metallic paint. While its design wasn't universally appealing, the Mazda3's mature and serious look, combined with refined interior materials, made it a sophisticated choice.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, particularly the S 580e plug-in hybrid, showcased the epitome of luxury. With its clean lines, optional high-gloss black trim, and 20-inch AMG wheels, it exuded calm sophistication. Inside, the S-Class offered a plethora of customization options, including eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials. The Sienna Brown and Black leather interior, panoramic sunroof, and superb fit and finish created an opulent environment. The car's soft headrests and advanced features like the Energizing Comfort wellness program further enhanced the luxurious experience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines to suit different preferences. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, with its 2.5-liter engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, provided a balance of power and efficiency, achieving 27-30 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its turbocharged engine, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel, but its fuel economy was lower at 26-27 mpg combined. Despite its fun-to-drive nature, the Mazda3's brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving, though its handling and ride quality remained impressive.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and electric motor, offering 56 miles of all-electric range. The plug-in hybrid powertrain produced 510 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The EPA rated it at 51 MPGe, but real-world testing achieved 53.9 mpg. The S 580e's nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless shifts, and its air suspension ensured a smooth ride. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, while the hybrid system's smooth transitions between electric and gas power added to the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position and small door openings made entry and exit challenging. However, once inside, the driver-focused interior offered excellent thigh and side bolster support, with many versions featuring an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The back seat, though, was cramped for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. Power sunshades, soft-closing doors, and 64-color ambient lighting added to the luxury. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. While the center armrest offered ample storage, the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet in the S 580e, compared to 12.9 cubic feet in the standard S-Class.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via a center console knob, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. While Mazda's approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and Mazda Connected Services provided remote access and emergency notifications. The available 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Driving Display added to the tech offerings.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system's natural-language AI assistant responded to voice commands, and the augmented reality navigation system provided clear directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a Burmester sound system. The stoplight view feature, while unique, was somewhat redundant. USB-C ports and wireless charging were also available.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, while Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the safety package. However, the S-Class had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.