2024 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, continued to impress with its luxurious design and electrification efforts. The S 580e model, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4Matic all-wheel drive, stood out with its optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and skirts. While not overtly sporty, these enhancements added a touch of flair to the otherwise sophisticated full-size sedan. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with our tester showcasing Sienna Brown and Black leather. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish, including incredibly soft headrests, contributed to a luxurious experience, making it a haven for passengers seeking comfort.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, maintained a modern and stylish appearance. Its swooping lines and scalloped bodywork gave it a luxury feel, aligning with Mazda's aspirations. The front featured squinting LED headlights and stylish round lighting elements, enhancing its dramatic design. Available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the hatchback was favored for its better looks and increased storage space. Our test car, a 2024 Mazda3 Hatchback with Turbo Premium Plus trim, impressed with its $38,210 price, offering material quality and value comparable to luxury brands. The interior boasted red leather upholstery, with leather trimmings extending across the dashboard and doors, creating a beautifully designed and furnished driver's seat.

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. Charging at home was efficient, taking about two hours and 20 minutes at a cost of $8.93. The S 580e also supported DC fast charging at 60 kW. The EPA rated it at 51 MPGe combined, but our test achieved 53.9 mpg over nearly 400 miles, with 223 miles driven on electric power alone. The powertrain delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint in 4.4 seconds. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless shifts, though a slight jerk was noted when downshifting to first gear. The S-Class excelled in comfort mode, with its air suspension and rear-wheel steering enhancing the ride quality.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Our Turbo Premium Plus test vehicle delivered impressive performance, with the turbo engine providing ample power. The intelligent AWD system managed traction well, though the car's low ground clearance limited its suitability for snowy conditions. Fuel economy varied by configuration, with the turbocharged powertrain achieving 23/31/26 mpg for the hatchback. The Mazda3 excelled on back roads, with its tight steering and minimal body roll, offering an engaging driving experience despite its torsion beam suspension.

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 and soft-closing doors added to the luxury experience. The ambient lighting system offered 64 colors for a customizable atmosphere. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. Storage options included small cubbies and a spacious center armrest, though the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, less than the standard S-Class's 12.9 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, while compact, offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the hatchback, competitive with rivals like the Subaru Impreza. However, rear passenger space was limited, with tight legroom and headroom. The sedan provided 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The hatchback's design created a significant blind spot at the C-pillar, affecting rearward visibility.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. The system included a variety of games and a natural-language AI assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with a native navigation system with augmented reality. The optional head-up display and stoplight view added to the tech experience. Wireless charging and USB-C ports were included, along with a Burmester sound system.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 utilized a rotary controller for its infotainment system, offering a safer alternative to touchscreens. The system included an 8.8-inch display on most trims, with a 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on select trims. A wireless charging pad and Mazda Connect system with Wi-Fi, remote services, navigation, and roadside assistance were available. The Bose stereo in higher trims provided good sound quality.

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, with automatic lane changes. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the safety features. The S-Class had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 received five stars from NHTSA and was named a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go was standard, with Cruising and Traffic Support on the Turbo Premium Plus trim.