2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a versatile offering, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, a variety unmatched by most competitors. The E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. In Canada, the E-Class came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, like the AMG E53, offered enhanced performance with a more powerful engine. Despite its high cost, the AMG E53 Cabriolet impressed with its luxurious features, including matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim, making it a car for those who appreciated opulence.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles, with a range of engine and powertrain configurations. Canadian buyers had the option of a six-speed manual transmission, a feature not available in the U.S. The Mazda3's pricing ranged from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and destination charges. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint cost $38,981 in Canada. While its design wasn't universally appealing, the Mazda3's understated style and refined interior materials made it a mature choice. The car's focus on stealth and sophistication, rather than flashy aesthetics, was evident both inside and out.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided robust performance across a wide rev range, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system ensured power was effectively delivered to the road. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels, enhanced its driving dynamics. The car's dual personality allowed it to be a comfortable cruiser or a spirited performer, depending on the driver's preference.

The 2022 Mazda3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing fuel economy over speed. The more popular 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 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, available with AWD, offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. Despite its advertised fuel efficiency, the turbocharged Mazda3 averaged 10.2 L/100 km during testing. The car's smooth ride, nimble handling, and balanced performance made it enjoyable to drive, though the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfort for both front and rear passengers. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system enhanced comfort. The car's trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top up, but this was significantly reduced when the top was down.

The Mazda3's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the front seats provided a snug and comfortable fit. The driver-focused interior featured an eight-way power-adjustable seat and heated front seats. The back seat offered decent comfort for shorter passengers, but taller occupants would find it cramped. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system in the E-Class featured two 12.3-inch screens, offering high-resolution displays and a range of interaction options, including touchscreen, voice commands, and steering wheel controls. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional upgrades like Wi-Fi and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester surround-sound audio system provided excellent sound quality.

Mazda Connect, the Mazda3's infotainment system, used an 8.8-inch display with Bluetooth and centre console controls. Mazda's decision to avoid touchscreens 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 integration helped mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was available.