2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, offering a variety that was hard to match. The E350 sedan featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants came with a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six and EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option. For driving enthusiasts, the AMG-tuned E-Class models, including the AMG E53, provided a more powerful version of the E450’s engine.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with the Mazda3 2.0, Mazda3 2.5 S, and Mazda3 2.5 Turbo model series. The 2.5 S lineup offered the most variety, with five trim levels and a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured a turbocharged engine and standard AWD. The Mazda3’s design, while not universally appealing, had a certain artistry and a mature, serious appearance.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, generating 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided robust throttle response across a wide rev range, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system enhanced the driving experience, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes available. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, rounded out the engineering highlights.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the 2.0 sedan, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5 S model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, available with a six-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. The 2.5 Turbo model had a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, producing 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on 87-octane fuel, or 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on 93-octane fuel. The turbocharged Mazda3 delivered a smooth and supple ride, with nimble handling and excellent balance, though the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced turbulence in the cabin when the top was down, and the car featured heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped keep the cabin cool and quiet in hot weather. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, but this was significantly reduced when the top was dropped.

The Mazda3’s interior was designed around the driver, with a snug but comfortable fit. The front seats offered excellent thigh and side bolster support, and the instrumentation was clear and user-friendly. However, the back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door panel bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system in the E-Class featured two 12.3-inch screens, a touchscreen, and a digital instrument cluster. The system could be controlled via the touchscreen, physical controls on the center console, steering wheel buttons, or voice commands. MBUX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The test car also had a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The Mazda Connect infotainment system in the Mazda3 used an 8.8-inch static display and primary controls on the center console. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting, but the system’s voice recognition required specific commands and often failed to recognize voices. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and Mazda Connected Services provided remote access to some vehicle functions. The car also featured an eight-speaker audio system, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims.

The E-Class included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet also had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, front automatic braking for cross traffic, and more. The test car’s adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist were particularly impressive.

The Mazda3 came with standard adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. 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 five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.