2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its dramatic yet sophisticated styling. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a conservative yet engaging design, while the hatchback variant, known as the Mazda3 Sport, presented a more aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, aimed to elevate Mazda's brand into premium territory with its attention to design detail, including a high-contrast two-tone interior and clear, legible gauges. Despite the use of hard plastics in the lower cabin, the overall quality and design focus were evident, making the Mazda3 a legitimate entry-luxury car.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained its reputation for luxury and elegance, following a complete makeover in the previous year. The S-Class, with its sleek exterior and long profile, exuded sophistication and elegance. The interior was a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury, featuring high-quality materials and meticulous assembly. The dashboard, with its open-pore wood trim and separate digital displays, added to the car's allure. The S-Class continued to be Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, offering a serene and comfortable cabin for both drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing the car's corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software contributed to its sporty character, making it a pleasure to drive on twisty roads. However, the fuel consumption during testing was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered two engine options: the S500 with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine and the S580 with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. Both models featured the EQ Boost system, providing additional horsepower and torque during acceleration. The S-Class used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, delivering impressive acceleration and handling despite its weight. The S500 accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved the same in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel consumption ratings of 11.4 L/100 km city/8.0 highway/9.9 combined for the S500 and 14.3 L/100 km city/9.5 highway/12.2 combined for the S580.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo featured a leather-lined interior with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, offering a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat ventilation. The rear seats were cramped, and the absence of air conditioning vents and USB ports further limited comfort for passengers. The sedan's trunk space measured 374 litres, while the hatchback variant offered more utility with 569 litres behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded down.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable cabin, with features like powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a 510-litre trunk. The interior boasted six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply for rear passengers. The front seats offered rapid-heating, active multicontour adjustments, and optional ventilation and massaging functions. The Executive Rear Seating package, exclusive to the S580, catered to chauffeured passengers with reclining seats and additional controls. The S-Class's soft-close doors added to the luxury experience, ensuring a quiet and serene cabin environment.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology detracted from the user experience. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering good sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Premium Package included an Active Driving Display, providing useful information like speed and safety technology status.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. The MBUX infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel. Optional features like a 3D instrument cluster and augmented reality navigation enhanced the driving experience. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system provided high-fidelity audio, with an available 4D system adding headrest speakers. The S-Class also featured advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including EQ Boost and rear-axle steering.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace the driver. The Premium Package added features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning five-star ratings and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, and active steering assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions, while car-to-x communication provided real-time road condition updates. The S-Class also offered executive-level safety features for rear passengers, such as airbags and seat belt bags.