2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with a variety of engine and powertrain configurations. It was available in three trim levels, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Canadian buyers had the unique option of a six-speed manual transmission in both sedan and hatch configurations. Prices ranged from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and a $1,750 destination charge. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint cost $38,981 in Canada, including the destination charge. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback shape, but it had a certain artistry that some appreciated. The interior featured refined materials and sophisticated design, creating an upscale and elegant driving environment. The Mazda3 was seen as a smart choice for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation, continued to impress with its S 500 and S 580 trims. For 2023, the S 580e plug-in hybrid with 4Matic AWD was introduced, showcasing the brand's commitment to electrification. The S-Class exuded calm sophistication with clean lines and a sculpted front end. Optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers added a touch of sportiness. Inside, the S-Class offered a luxurious experience with 15 leather upholstery colours and five trim materials. The Sienna Brown and Black leather in our tester, along with a panoramic sunroof, created a superb fit and finish. The headrests were exceptionally soft, enhancing passenger comfort. The S-Class was a testament to luxury, offering a serene and elegant driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. While not known for speed, it excelled in fuel economy, consuming 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption ranging from 7.8 to 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with AWD, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. However, real-world fuel efficiency was lower than advertised, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. Despite this, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a thrilling driving experience with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. The brakes, however, showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, suggesting a need for an upgrade.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and electric motor, offering 90 kilometres of all-electric range. Charging at home was efficient, with a full charge taking about two hours and 20 minutes. The S 580e achieved a combined rating of 4.6 Le/100 km, but during testing, it averaged 4.4 Le/100 km. The powertrain delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, allowing the S 580e to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class excelled in comfort, with a buttery soft air suspension and rear-wheel steering for improved manoeuvrability. The hybrid mode provided seamless transitions between electric and gas power, while the nine-speed automatic transmission offered smooth gear shifts. The S-Class prioritized luxury and comfort over sportiness, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. Once inside, the front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats as standard in Canada. The interior featured leather upholstery, user-friendly controls, and excellent thigh and side bolster support. However, the back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom for taller passengers and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres of cargo.

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 colours 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 centre armrest. However, the trunk space was limited to 350 litres, smaller than the standard S-Class's 550 litres. For more cargo space, buyers could consider the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid or luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch static display and Bluetooth. The system was controlled via the centre console, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Mazda's approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for music streaming and navigation. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app, including remote engine starting and a car finder function. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, enhancing safety.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class boasted a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen centre display with the MBUX infotainment system. The system featured a natural-language AI assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system with augmented reality. The head-up display offered additional augmented reality features. The stoplight view, while unique, was unnecessary. Wireless charging and USB-C ports were available, and the standard Burmester sound system catered to audiophiles.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with faultless crash-test ratings. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while other features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were optional. The GT trim offered additional features like adaptive front headlights and Traffic Jam Assist. The driver-assist features performed well, with smooth responses and no false alarms. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the safety package. However, rear cross-traffic alert was an extra-cost option in Canada. The S-Class had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.