2025 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class broke away from the cold, technical designs of many modern vehicles. It featured a long hood, short deck proportions, and softly rounded forms, complemented by a star-map grille texture and star-shaped taillight illumination. The chrome sweep defining the roofline and various expressive wheel designs added to its distinctive character. As it went on sale, the E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, starting at $62,300 plus a $1,150 destination charge. Our test car, an E 350 4Matic, was heavily optioned, bringing the MSRP to $82,450. The interior was luxurious, with Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a Superscreen triple-display glass panel, and a blend of classic luxury with modern technology.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback had an organic shape with a long hood, tapered greenhouse, and stubby rear. Its sheet metal created S-shaped reflections, hinting at its agility on mountain roads. Our test car, painted Polymetal Gray with red leather, looked striking. The interior was driver-focused, with clean design and high-quality materials, though the gloss black plastic trim showed wear easily. The Mazda 3 came in 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, with prices ranging from $25,150 to $37,150, excluding a $1,185 destination charge. Our 2.5 S Premium hatch test car, priced at $33,045, featured a manual transmission, extra-cost paint, and a rear hatch spoiler.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered two engine options. The E 350 4Matic had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The E 450 4Matic featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Both models had a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD. The E 350, equipped with the optional Airmatic Package, provided a smooth ride but fell short on fuel economy, averaging 23.8 mpg compared to the EPA's 27 mpg estimate.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 S models had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo models offered a turbocharged version with 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular. Most Mazda 3s had a six-speed automatic transmission, but the Premium trim offered a manual gearbox. The manual version achieved 29.1 mpg on a test loop, close to the EPA's 30 mpg estimate. The Mazda 3's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling, though the torsion-beam rear suspension amplified road imperfections.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provided comfortable seating with options for MB-Tex, genuine leather, or Nappa leather. The front seats were heated and power-operated, with available ventilation. The rear seats offered good leg support but limited legroom, and the trunk provided 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, though this seemed optimistic. Practical storage included sizable door pockets and a hidden center console bin.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 felt snug, with comfortable seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Forward visibility was excellent, but rear visibility was compromised. The rear seat had tight legroom and lacked air vents and USB ports. The cargo space offered 20.1 cubic feet, accommodating full-size suitcases, with a folding rear seat for additional room.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital display and a 14.4-inch touchscreen. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation with augmented video technology. The Superscreen Package added a passenger touchscreen and a video camera for conference calls. The MBUX system was intuitive, with a responsive digital voice assistant and AI learning capabilities.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 used the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch display. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were touch-enabled, other functions required physical controls. Alexa Built-in faced connectivity issues, and the native voice-recognition system struggled with commands. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provided excellent sound, and the car offered Wi-Fi hotspot access and Mazda Connected Services.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package offering 15 additional technologies for $1,950. Highlights included upgraded Pre-Safe features, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping systems. The Automatic Lane Change function and speed adaptation systems were less suited for fast-flowing traffic but could be turned off.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control worked smoothly, and the head-up display showed blind spot warnings. However, the lane departure warning system issued inaccurate alerts in certain conditions.