2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, was a testament to the brand's commitment to "sensual purity," a design philosophy championed by Mercedes' chief designer, Gorden Wagener. This model moved away from the sharper angles of its predecessor, adopting a more fluid and curvier form reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class. The E-Class featured a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights. Despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament, the E-Class maintained its elegance across its sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible variants. Inside, the cabin was a luxurious haven, adorned with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, complemented by intricate details like metal speaker grilles and elaborate stitching. The dual 12-inch screens provided a modern touch, with the digital display replacing analog gauges, and the new steering wheels added a futuristic feel to the driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, was celebrated for its dramatic yet sophisticated styling, earning accolades like the World Car Design of the Year. The sedan version was more conservative, while the hatchback, known as the Mazda3 Sport, boasted a more aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo variant, available in both body styles, offered a premium experience with its AWD system and a range of interior finishes, including luxurious white leather. The interior was meticulously designed, with attention to detail evident in the metallic accents and clear gauges. Despite the use of hard plastics, the Mazda3's cabin exuded quality, and the asymmetrical Mazda Connect infotainment system seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. The driver-centric design ensured that the cabin revolved around the person in control, making the Mazda3 a legitimate contender in the entry-luxury segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes under the hood, transitioning from conventional V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains for its high-volume models. The E450 became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to enhance power and torque, providing up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief moments. This system allowed for smoother engine restarts and improved fuel efficiency. The E450's 3.0-litre I6 engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with additional power from the battery's overboost. The AMG E53 variant added a second turbo, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offering brisk acceleration and a refined driving experience. The AMG E63 S, with its 4.0-litre V8 engine, boasted 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a powerhouse with advanced features like variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased AWD. Despite its performance capabilities, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, with fuel efficiency ratings of 9.2 to 12.8 L/100 km depending on the model.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a smooth and predictable driving experience, with the i-Activ AWD system enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight, yet significantly boosted performance, transforming the driving dynamics. The Mazda3 Turbo featured Sport mode, which optimized transmission shifts and G-Vectoring Control Plus for improved handling. The car's steering feel and response were enhanced, and the stiffer front suspension handled the added weight effectively. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo maintained a balance between performance and comfort, with an average fuel consumption of 11.5 L/100 km during testing, slightly higher than the estimated 8.8 L/100 km.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, accommodating four adults with ample headroom and legroom. The redesigned infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen and intuitive controls, improved user experience, although mastering the dual screens required some learning. The E-Class provided various seating configurations, with the wagon offering a stowable rear-facing jump seat and significant cargo space of up to 1,820 litres. The sedan's trunk space measured 540 litres, while the coupe and convertible offered 405 litres. Despite its luxury status, some features like rear USB ports and heated rear seats were absent in the E53 model.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuding a luxury feel. However, it lacked certain premium features, such as power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat ventilation. The cabin was driver-focused, with adequate storage for personal items. The sedan's trunk space was competitive at 374 litres, while the hatchback offered more utility with 569 litres behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, which allowed for touch interaction and offered a well-organized interface with shortcut buttons for major functions. Gesture controls and natural voice processing enhanced user experience, while features like live camera feeds and massaging seats added to the luxury feel. Although the system didn't support over-the-air updates, it included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. Optional driving assists provided advanced capabilities, making the E-Class a technologically advanced vehicle.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system, Mazda Connect, combined an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology detracted from the experience. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality. The Premium Package included an Active Driving Display, providing useful information like speed and safety technology status. Despite its flaws, the Mazda3's technology package offered a decent level of connectivity and entertainment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS. It featured innovative safety technologies like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during collisions. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace the driver. The adaptive cruise control offered stop-and-go capability, and the GT trim included an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Package added features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.