2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic look from the 2021 model, following a complete makeover that hit all the right notes. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of sedans, showcasing a sleek, elongated profile that exuded elegance. The car's design, with its long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, was a hallmark of sophistication, further accentuated by the proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament. Inside, the S-Class dazzled with a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, all wrapped in high-quality materials meticulously fitted and assembled.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued with its existing design, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, carried a price tag of $35,810. While its deeply sculpted flanks and "hunchback" hatchback design were not universally appealing, the Mazda3's mature and serious appearance had its own artistry. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design, adorned with polished metallic finishes, created an upscale ambiance. The Mazda3's interior was driver-focused, with excellent thigh and side bolster support, though the back seat offered limited comfort and legroom for taller passengers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both serene weekday commuting and weekend pleasure driving. 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 boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also with EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick off the line, with 0-60 mph times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. The S500 achieved fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 managed 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options. The base 2.0 sedan had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, with a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generated 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, achieving 27-30 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel, with a combined fuel economy of 26-27 mpg. The Mazda3's driving experience was characterized by smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance, though the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with ample storage and cargo space. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 13.8-cubic-foot trunk provided generous storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. The front seats offered heating, ventilation, massage functions, and multiple adjustments, with additional luxury options available. However, the wide-opening doors could be challenging to close from a seated position, though the soft-close feature mitigated this issue.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, sitting low to the ground, was difficult to enter and exit, with small door openings. Once inside, the front seats provided a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent support and user-friendly controls. The back seat, however, offered limited comfort and legroom for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback's cargo space measured 20.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 47.1 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system and a 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel. The optional 3D instrument cluster and augmented video for navigation added depth and clarity to the driving experience. The available augmented reality head-up display projected navigation instructions onto the windshield, enhancing driver assistance. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and optional 4D Surround system provided high-fidelity audio. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering further enhanced the driving dynamics.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display and a collection of controls on the center console. 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 integration helped mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The standard audio system had eight speakers, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, active brake assist, and Pre-Safe systems. The car-to-x communication system shared warning messages about road conditions. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added safety.

The 2022 Mazda 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 top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.