2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, continued to impress with its S 500 and S 580 trims. For 2023, Mercedes-Benz introduced the S 580e, a plug-in hybrid with 4Matic all-wheel drive, marking a step into electrification for this luxury sedan. The S-Class maintained its reputation for calm sophistication with clean lines and a sculpted front end. Our tester, the S 580e, featured optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and side skirts, adding a touch of sportiness to its otherwise elegant appearance. Inside, the S-Class offered a luxurious experience with 15 leather upholstery options, including the striking Carmine Red, and five trim materials. Our tester boasted Sienna Brown and Black leather, a panoramic sunroof, and superb fit and finish, with exceptionally soft headrests that promised comfort for passengers.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 showcased a bold design with rakish headlights and a large grille, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. While the sedan had conventional proportions, the hatchback stood out with its daring and futuristic design, featuring rear angles that curved around the rear window and doors. Inside, the Mazda3 continued its clean and futuristic theme with a simple yet stylish cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome choice. The Mazda3 offered various trim levels in Canada, including the GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with options for manual or automatic transmission and front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Standard features included 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT Turbo trim, which we tested, featured a more powerful engine and additional features like paddle shifters and genuine leather upholstery.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, offering 90 kilometres of all-electric range. Charging the battery at home took about two hours and 20 minutes, while DC fast charging was available at 60 kW. Natural Resources Canada rated the S 580e PHEV at 4.6 Le/100 km, but our test achieved an impressive 4.4 Le/100 km. The S 580e delivered 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.4 seconds. The S-Class excelled in comfort mode, with its air suspension providing a smooth ride, while rear-wheel steering enhanced manoeuvrability. The hybrid mode offered seamless transitions between electric and gas power, with the nine-speed transmission delivering smooth gear shifts.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, with the base model featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-litre inline-four engine, available on the GS and standard on the GT, delivered 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Our test model, the GT Turbo, featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The Mazda3's turbo engine provided an engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and a sporty sound. While acceleration was moderate off the line, the Mazda3 shone in second gear, with the transmission holding gears longer in Sport mode. The car's handling was precise and agile, with excellent balance through corners and a comfortable ride over bumps.

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, while ambient lighting offered 64 colours for a personalized touch. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. However, the trunk space was limited to 350 litres, compared to the standard S-Class's 550 litres.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 569 litres. However, rear seat legroom was limited, and the sloping roofline reduced headroom. The front seating area featured a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid was somewhat frustrating. The Mazda3's ergonomics were user-friendly, with sizable cupholders.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen centre display with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The system offered a variety of games, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system with augmented reality. The optional head-up display and wireless charging added to the tech-savvy experience, while the Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. The system's menu navigation was clumsy, and the lack of a touchscreen made it less intuitive. The Mazda3 included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model featured upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of 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, while 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 NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GT grade included adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 hatchback's C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA.