Mazda 6 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
What's the difference?

Mazda 6

$20,850 - $41,995

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$86,800 - $199,335

2025 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 Mazda 6

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

By Emily Agar

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.5L

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

1.7L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Electric range

100 km

Battery capacity

28.60 kWh

Seating

Likes

Interior trims feel plush
Smooth and sporty handling
Solid luxury features

Looks
Performance
Safety

Dislikes

Leaning more towards old than retro inside
A bit thirsty
Terrible reversing camera

No spare tyre
Steep service pricing
Modest boot

2023 Mazda 6 Summary

Has it really been 20 years since the humble Mazda6 station wagon hit our roads? You betcha, but I was more shocked that I remembered when it did!

I have a sudden flashback of questionable fashion choices, glittery butterfly hair clips and how Skipper was making a play at being the coolest 'Barbie' (she wasn't).

I've always had a soft spot for wagons, they are the forgotten heroes for family hauling. It's hard not to glide over them when the market is dominated by SUVs but if you happen to remember they still exist (albeit, barely) you might remember why they were popular back in the day.

Being a 20th Anniversary Edition means there are some nods to the past in this model but unlike the low-slung jeans of my youth, they're stylishly done. With some luxuriously-appointed rivals to contend with, like the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat, does it offer enough to be considered by a modern family?

My little family of three has been in it all week to find out for you!

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2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Summary

You like performance, love a bit of luxury and fancy a traditional sedan. The budget is healthy and there’s a surprising amount of choice. But Mercedes-AMG believes it’s created the car that perfectly answers your new-car brief.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is a fresh expression of an established high-performance sedan formula mixing internal-combustion power with electric punch and all-wheel drive.

We were invited to its local launch, so stay with us to see if this newcomer is ready to fill that primo European performance car shaped space in your garage.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mazda 6 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Verdict

So, what did my family think about the Mazda6 20th Anniversary wagon? Firstly, I like that it drives well and how many luxe features are up front. The trims and body paint look divine but there's a disconnect with family practicality in the back seat. Besides the multimedia system, which 100 per cent needs to be improved, I don't mind the retro-feeling elements in the cockpit but my husband's first comment was that it looked old.

It may be better suited to a smaller and older family that isn't carting around a stack of gear but you get a lot of features for your cash in this model. So, this gets a 7.0/10 from me.

My son didn't spend heaps of time in this one but he liked the colour of it and the seats. He gives it a 7.0/10.

Verdict

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is a superb blend of high-tech hybrid muscle and cossetting top-end luxury. Value is competitive, it looks (and feels) the business, despite the conventional sedan configuration it’s surprisingly practical (except for the modest boot), fuel-efficiency is a key benefit and safety is stellar. The ownership proposition is okay for the category but that’s not top of mind when an enticing series of corners ranges into view. It’s an impressive package.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Mazda 6 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda 6 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
What's the difference?