2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had more conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The rear angles of the hatchback curved up around the rear window and doors, creating a clean and forward-thinking aesthetic. Inside, the cabin continued this theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant design. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome choice. The climate controls were straightforward, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design. Trim levels in Canada included the GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with various features and drivetrain options available.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class exuded a sense of timeless elegance with its long hood, short deck proportions, and softly rounded forms. The star-map grille texture and star-shaped taillight illumination added distinctive character, while the chrome sweep defining the roofline and expressive wheel designs contributed to its graceful appearance. Inside, the E-Class was a blend of classic luxury and high-tech modernism, with Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery and a Superscreen triple-display glass panel stretching across the dashboard. The interior was luxurious and technologically advanced, offering a plush and comfortable experience. The E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, with a range of option packages enhancing comfort, technology, and safety.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four was optional on the GS and standard on the GT, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, available on the GT Turbo trim, produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The turbocharged engine provided moderate off-the-line acceleration, but the car truly shone in second gear, especially in Sport mode. The brake feel was reminiscent of a sports car, and the handling was precise and refined, offering a perfect blend of agility and comfort.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the E 350 4Matic, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The E 450 4Matic featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both models employed a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard. The E-Class also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing fuel economy and performance. The E 350 offered ample power for most drivers, though it fell short of its official fuel economy rating during testing. The Airmatic Package, with adaptive air suspension and rear-axle steering, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though it felt slightly unnatural on uneven surfaces. The E-Class excelled in comfort and luxury, offering a soothing and quiet driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 374 litres of cargo space, which was smaller compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, though it was still less than many small SUVs. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for occasional use only. The front seating area featured a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid was somewhat frustrating to use. The ergonomics were helpful, and the cupholders were sizable.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a comfortable interior, with supportive front seats available in MB-Tex artificial leather, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather. The seats were heated and power-operated, with ventilation available. The rear seating area posed a challenge for entry and exit due to intrusive rear wheel wells, but once seated, passengers enjoyed good leg support and a tall riding position. The trunk provided 540 litres of cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for expanded capacity. Despite the interior's appearance, practical storage space was ample, with sizable door pockets, a hidden centre console bin, and a roomy bin under the split-top centre armrest.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. This system was a weak point, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was confusing, with the Home button not functioning as expected. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model had upgrades such as navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which offered great sound quality.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased advanced technology with the third-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. It paired a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system with augmented video technology. The MBUX allowed for personalized experiences with up to 800 different vehicle settings and programmable routines. The 17-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system provided exceptional audio quality. The Superscreen Package added a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the passenger and a video camera for conference calls. The MBUX technology was intuitive and responsive, with a digital voice assistant that was conversational and helpful.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features such as forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The GT grade added adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 hatchback's design posed a safety issue with a massive blind spot due to the C-pillar. The infotainment system's layout also presented a distraction and safety concern. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA in front crash and rollover tests.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package offering 14 additional technologies for $2,150. Highlights included upgraded Pre-Safe pre-collision features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping, lane-centring, and lane-change systems. The ADAS worked well, though the lane-centring assist allowed a wider driving line on curves. The Automatic Lane Change function was useful but required caution. The Active Speed Limit Assist and Route-based Speed Adaptation systems could be liabilities, as they adjusted speed based on detected signs. The ADAS was practical for daily driving, with the lane-keeping assist system proving effective.