2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had more conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and forward-thinking aesthetics of the hatchback were among the most innovative in the market, excluding some electric vehicles. Inside, the Mazda3 continued its clean and futuristic theme with a simple yet elegant cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, offering a styling lesson for other automakers. The conventional shifter design was a welcome feature, and the climate controls were straightforward and easy to use. The steering wheel, though elegant, was somewhat cluttered with controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class defied the trend of cold, technical designs with its long hood, short deck proportions, and softly rounded forms. The E-Class featured a star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillight illumination, and a sweep of chrome defining the roofline, all contributing to a distinctive character. The E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, with prices starting at $62,300. Our test car, an E 350 4Matic, was heavily optioned, bringing the MSRP to $82,450. The interior was a blend of luxury and technology, featuring Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a Superscreen triple-display glass panel, and an active ambient lighting system. The E-Class interior combined classic luxury with high-tech modernism, offering a plush and sophisticated driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine powered the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) available. A manual transmission was also offered but only on front-wheel drive Premium models. Our test model featured the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 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 impressive handling. The Mazda3 excelled in cornering balance and agility, offering a refined yet sporty ride.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 4Matic was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The E 450 4Matic offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, along with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The E 350 provided ample power and a smooth ride, though it fell short of its EPA fuel economy rating during testing. The optional Airmatic Package enhanced the ride quality, offering a luxurious and comfortable driving experience, though it was not as sporty as the Mazda3.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was small compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was usable but not as spacious as many small SUVs. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for occasional use only. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console compartment, though the lid was somewhat frustrating to operate. The Mazda3 offered helpful ergonomics and sizable cupholders.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provided a comfortable interior with supportive front seats available in MB-Tex artificial leather, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather. The seats were heated and power-operated, with optional ventilation and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat entry and exit were challenging due to intrusive rear wheel wells, but once seated, passengers enjoyed good leg support and a tall riding position. The trunk offered 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, though this seemed optimistic. The trunk was tall enough to accommodate full-size suitcases, and the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat expanded capacity as needed.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. This non-touchscreen system was a weak point, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The system was particularly frustrating when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model featured upgrades such as navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which offered excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system with augmented video technology. The MBUX system allowed for personalized driver profiles and programmable routines. The Superscreen Package added a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and a video camera for conference calls. The MBUX technology was intuitive and responsive, with a conversational digital voice assistant and artificial intelligence that learned over time.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with numerous safety features, including 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, posing a safety concern. The infotainment system's confusing layout also presented a distraction and safety issue.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included a range of safety features, with the option to add the Driver Assistance Package for $1,950, which included 15 additional technologies. Highlights included upgraded Pre-Safe pre-collision features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping, lane-centering, and lane-change systems. The ADAS worked well, though the lane-centering assist allowed a wider driving line than comfortable. The Automatic Lane Change function was useful but not always trustworthy in heavy traffic. The Active Speed Limit Assist and Route-based Speed Adaptation systems could be liabilities in fast-flowing traffic but could be turned off if desired.