BMW 3-Series Vs. Mercedes-Benz C Class: Compare Cars

Among compact luxury sport sedans, reputation matters. And two of the titans of the class, with the best name recognition are the Mercedes-Benz C Class and the BMW 3-Series.

Perennially near (or at) the top of their segment, both sedans offer fresh styling and modern, sophisticated interiors. Both have recently been redesigned or heavily revised, and both offer new four-cylinder turbocharged engines in their entry-level versions for improved fuel economy. That's not unprecedented for either brand, but a bold move in the modern luxury marketplace.

Despite the higher gas mileage, however, the new turbo fours don't give up much--if anything--in terms of performance to the six-cylinder models they replace. The C Class uses a 1.8-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder in C250 trim, rated at 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The 328i is a bit punchier, with 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque on tap from its 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected engine; although the new 2013 BMW 320i, with its 200-hp version of the same engine, will be a more even match to the C250.

While the C Class is less powerful and less sporty, it's the 3-Series that's more fuel efficient, scoring 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway to the C Class's 21/31 mpg rating. Both models also offer power upgrades to more potent six-cylinder engines, as well as motorsports-inspired AMG and M Division variants. The C Class offers a pair of V-6 models, the C300 and C350, though the C300 is only offered in all-wheel drive sedan trim. The C350 is the more varied choice, with 302 horsepower and 20/29 mpg city/highway rating. BMW's 335i offers an upgrade to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder from the 328i's turbo four, bringing power to 300 horsepower and delivering up to 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

It's not all about power or fuel efficiency, however, in the luxury sedan class. Handling, ride quality, comfort, and features all play into the mix. Here the race is closer, with both cars delivering very well-built cabins wrapped in--mostly--quality materials. Both make some compromises for their price point in terms of plastics and controls, but both also do so better than all but a select few of the competition, notably Audi's A4.

Space and comfort are very good in the front seats of both the C Class and the 3-Series, though the redesigned 3-Series gains an extra inch of wheelbase mostly dedicated to rear-seat legroom--a much needed upgrade in this relatively compact class. Accordingly, it just edges out the C Class, which has a typically compressed rear-passenger experience.

On the technology front, both C Class and 3-Series offer many of the latest innovations, including telematics services, voice controls, and navigation/infotainment systems. Mercedes' COMAND system sometimes comes off a half-step behind being fully modern, however, with a slightly clunky interface despite packing many features inside. BMW's once-confusing iDrive, on the other hand, is slick and polished--and adds BMW Apps functionality for smartphone integration with music and social media apps as well as the standard multimedia you'd expect.

Safety-wise, these two models are also neck-and-neck. Both models earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, as well as top five-star overall scores from the federal government, but they fail to achieve a five in every category (both get four stars in side impact). However, the new 3-Series has some features more advanced than those in the mid-life C Class--features like wide-angle and birds-eye cameras for reversing.

While the numbers add up in the BMW 3-Series' favor, it may be hard for some to compare the two cars so coldly; they differ immensely in exterior and interior style, in ride and handling, and in the general atmosphere of the cabin. For those looking for luxury with a strong dash of performance, the 3-Series is a top choice, while those with more of an eye toward relaxed, luxurious comfort may prefer the C Class. At the same time, each of these models are offered in a vast range of trim and interior possibilities, giving you a chance to make them uniquely yours: warm or austere, sporty or plush.

 

2013 BMW 3-Series	2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class
Meta Rating
8.6 The 2013 BMW 3-Series is safe, fuel-efficient, and well-connected, yet it delivers the class-leading performance and handling that enthusiasts have come to expect.	8.2 For those who are image-conscious yet value-conscious, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class sedans and coupes make a lot of sense.
Styling
8Busy interiors aside, the BMW 3-Series sedan and wagon have a trim, athletic look. Read more	8The dramatic exterior and modern interior of the C Class models fit cohesively together, better than other smaller sport sedans. Read more
Performance
9Confident handling and a choice of strong turbo-six or turbo-four engines give the 3-Series its traditional dynamic excellence. Read more	8There are several degrees of sportiness to the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class range, but the C 63 AMG pushes it to new heights. . Read more
Quality
8The 3-Series is bigger than most of its rivals this time around, and with a wagon on the way, it's a flexible family option, too. Read more	8Limited back-seat space is the consequence of the C Class's compact dimensions, although it has the refinement of a larger car. Read more
Safety
9BMW's outfitted the latest 3-Series with lots of advanced safety features, and it earns a five-star safety rating. Read more	9The Mercedes-Benz C Class has solid safety ratings, and some active-safety features that aren't typical in this class. Read more
Features
9The 3-Series has a vast range of options, but prices can hit breathtaking levels--even without some key features. Read more	8The 2013 C Class models are luxury cars, and equipped that way--and their connectivity and tech offerings keep getting better. Read more
Green
7Great fuel economy, even in six-cylinder form, makes the 3-Series an unheralded green option for sport-sedan buyers, and a hybrid version is on the way. Read more	6Fuel-efficiency is decent with the four-cylinder or V-6 engines, but its no surprise that the C 63 AMG is a guzzler. Read more
MSRP
from $32,550	from $35,350
Invoice
from $29,945	from $32,876
Fuel Economy - Combined City and Highway
- TBD -	25
Front Leg Room (in)
42.000	41.7
Second Leg Room (in)
35.100 Read Full Specs	33.4 Read Full Specs