2024 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class took a distinctive approach to modern automobile design. Unlike many contemporary vehicles that appeared cold and technical, the redesigned E-Class embraced a classic aesthetic with long hood and short deck proportions, softly rounded forms, cleanly penned flanks, and bold detailing. The standout features included a star-map grille texture, star-shaped taillight illumination, a sweep of chrome defining the roofline, and a variety of expressive wheel designs. This classic yet modern look was expected to age gracefully.

The new E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, all in a sleek sedan body style. Pricing started at $62,300, plus a destination charge of $1,150. While the base price was appealing, most of the innovative features were bundled into various optional packages focusing on comfort, technology, and safety. Our test vehicle, an E 350 4Matic, was priced at $82,450, thanks to its extensive options including luxurious Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery and a Superscreen triple-display glass panel. The interior design seamlessly blended classic luxury with high-tech modernism, enhanced by active ambient lighting and beautiful wood with aluminum inlays.

Comparatively, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback, despite being last redesigned in 2019, still looked remarkably modern. Its swooping lines and beautifully scalloped bodywork positioned Mazda’s least-expensive vehicle alongside luxury cars, reflecting the brand's aspirational goals. The front featured squinting headlights with LED turn signals and stylish round lighting elements reaching up along the front fenders, contributing to its dramatic and sophisticated design.

Mazda offered the MAZDA3 in two body styles—sedan and hatchback—with six different trim levels. The hatchback, despite being more expensive, was preferred for its better design and increased storage space. Our test car was a 2024 Mazda3 Hatchback with Turbo Premium Plus trim, priced at $38,210. This trim impressed with its fine materials and red leather upholstery, offering a luxurious feel atypical for mass-market vehicles. The interior featured leather trimmings extensively, enveloping the driver in a sense of upscale comfort.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4Matic was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, providing ample power for most drivers. On the other hand, the E 450 4Matic featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, enabling a swift 4.4-second run to 60 mph.

Both variants came equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard. They also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that enhanced fuel economy by assisting engine power. Our test E 350 4Matic felt spirited but fell short in fuel efficiency, achieving 23.8 mpg against an EPA estimate of 27 mpg combined. The test car included the optional Airmatic Package with adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering, resulting in a remarkably smooth ride and commendable handling, albeit slightly ungainly on uneven roads.

In terms of performance, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 presented two engine options. The base naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder offered 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, standard on the lower "S" trims. The higher Carbon Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque (on premium fuel). The turbo engine made the Mazda3 a delight in various driving conditions, with the intelligent AWD managing traction efficiently.

The Mazda3 facilitated driving engagement with its six-speed manual transmission available on the Hatchback S Premium FWD. However, the turbo variants came exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda3’s fuel economy varied, with the turbo AWD hatchback achieving 23/31/26 mpg. It excelled on back roads with tight and precise steering and minimal body roll, reinforcing its appeal to driving enthusiasts despite a stiffer suspension setup compared to its competitors.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a sophisticated and practical interior. Front seat occupants enjoyed power-operated, heated seats with optional ventilation and Nappa leather upholstery. The rear seats, however, posed accessibility challenges due to intrusive rear wheel wells and offered modest legroom. Practical storage solutions included sizable door pockets, a hidden center console bin, and a spacious trunk with 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable via the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda3 Hatchback balanced form and function within the compact car segment. The hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet, making it competitive but not class-leading. Rear passenger space was limited, with tight legroom and headroom barely accommodating six-foot adults. The sedan variant offered even less cargo space at 13.2 cubic feet and suffered from similarly cramped rear quarters. Additionally, the hatchback's sporty design created significant blind spots, hampering rearward visibility.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, pairing a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered four customizable themes and a head-up display option. Key features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation with augmented video, and online music and video streaming services. The Superscreen Package added an additional passenger touchscreen and a video camera for in-car selfies and conference calls.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 adhered to rotary controller technology instead of a traditional touchscreen interface. While the system required an initial learning curve, it allowed safer operation by minimizing driver distraction. The higher trims featured a new 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, albeit positioned too far for driver reach. Mazda’s system also offered a wireless charging pad, remote services, and a decent Bose stereo setup on higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. The optional $1,950 Driver Assistance Package introduced advanced driving aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-change assist, and active emergency stop assistance. The system performed well but occasionally exhibited overcautious behaviors, especially in demanding traffic conditions, which could be disabled if desired.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 received top safety ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety equipment included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go was enhanced in the Turbo Premium Plus trim with Cruising and Traffic Support, effectively managing heavy traffic scenarios.