2023 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. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class sedan continued to tell a compelling story of elegance and luxury. With its roots tracing back to the 1954 “Ponton” models and officially blossoming in 1972, the S-Class has been Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan. The seventh-generation S-Class, code-named “W223,” was available in S500 and S580 sedans, with no plans for additional body styles. The sleek exterior, characterized by a long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, exuded elegance. The interior featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, all meticulously assembled with high-quality materials.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a striking design with rakish headlights and a large grille, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. While the sedan had conventional proportions, the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean and futuristic theme extended into the cabin, with a simple yet stylish infotainment system rising organically from the dash. The conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls added to the cabin’s appeal. The Mazda3 was available in various trim levels, each adding more features and luxury. The top trim, 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus, included advanced driver assistance features and a powerful turbocharged engine.

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, providing up to 21 additional horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, supplementing the engine’s 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also benefiting from the EQ Boost system. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters 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 delivered up to 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg combined, while the S580 was rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available AWD. A manual transmission was also available on FWD Premium models. The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a fantastic sound and engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and precise handling. The Mazda3’s Sport mode enhanced the driving experience by holding gears longer and providing more forceful steering feedback. The car’s handling was agile and balanced, making it a joy to drive.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a roomy 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 lushly carpeted storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. The driver and front passenger benefited from active multicontour seats with massage, lumbar support, and front comfort headrests. The Luxury Line added features like a heated steering wheel and rear-seat heating, while the Executive Line catered to the chauffeured set with upgraded rear seats and a high-end rear-seat entertainment system. The S-Class’s soft-close doors added a touch of convenience.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for front-seat use only. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console compartment and helpful ergonomics, though the lid’s design was frustrating. The Mazda3’s interior was designed for practicality, with sizable cupholders and a clean layout.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with the latest tech, featuring a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery and customizable visual themes. The optional 3D instrument cluster added depth and visual interest, while the augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system and available Burmester 4D Surround system provided high-fidelity audio. The S-Class also featured advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including EQ Boost and rear-axle steering.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. The system’s menu navigation was clumsy, and the lack of a touchscreen made it difficult to use. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was also confusing. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Upgrades such as navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system were available, with the Bose stereo providing great sound quality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was loaded with standard and available safety features, including Magic Vision Control, active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active stop-and-go assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist, Pre-Safe Plus, and car-to-x communication. The S-Class also offered rear-passenger airbags, rear-seat belt bags, and easy adjust headrests with occupant restraint protection for executive-level safety.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Select trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Turbo Premium Plus included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the confusing infotainment system presented a safety issue.