BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

By Farzana Chaumoo

We compare three of the most popular German sedans on sale – the BMW 3 Series, the Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, to help you decide which one deserves your hard earned cash. Our pick is the Audi A4.

The BMW 3 Series is this German automaker’s most important model. Not only has it defined the brand's "Ultimate Driving Machine" mantra, but has been a defining factor in the sport-sedan segment in which it competes.

If you’re shopping for a premium car that blends a luxurious cabin with engaging performance, and has family-friendly practicality, then you may want to consider other options which are also at the top of this class. 

The long-standing rivalry with the other German luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Audi is intensifying, as the A4 and C-Class has invaded the 3 Series’ turf.

It might make the choice a bit more difficult, but here are the options to consider between these 3 models.

Interior

In terms of design, it’s clear to see that Mercedes-Benz has a little more panache than its rivals. The attention to detail impresses, like the small window control switches that are covered in metal. The only thing that lets the Mercedes-Benz cabin down is the tablet-style infotainment screen that appears as an afterthought, especially when paired with a bulky entry-level Garmin navigation system. The upgraded COMAND system is better, but still falls short against its rivals.

I must say that I love Audi cabins! Audi produces high-quality interiors that share the same reserved design as its exterior, but the materials used are just a grade above its rivals. Google Maps and the Virtual Cockpit system are other highlights, while the Audi MMI system closely rivals BMW’s iDrive in terms of usability.

BMW’s iDrive system in the 3 Series has a very intuitive layout and a logical menu progression, which arguably makes it the best on the market right now. The cabin is a lovely place to be in, but it does, however, share its look with the 1 Series and 2 Series – and that can feel a bit “old generation”.

Styling

Styling is subjective, so what I may say is the best looking may easily be disagreed upon by many. Each car has its own distinctive appearance, and its own dramatic and/or aggressive features.

It’s easy to mistake newer A4’s with the previous generation model, because its styling is evolutionary, but it’s still a looker – especially in sporty S-Line trim.

Obviously, the C-Class will take the cake for being the most classy. Mercedes-Benz has a more reserved approach with its styling, as compared to its rivals, and that’s what makes it come across as more expensive-looking. Its arguably the most elegant in this trio.

The BMW 3 Series has held its form for a few years, and looks the most mundane of this trio by now. It is however enhanced with an added dose of visual aggression in the top-of-the-range M-Sport version.

Practicality

Both the C-Class and 3 Series have a 480-litre boot. The C-Class has an automatic opening as standard, but the opening is awkwardly shaped, which makes it tricky to load, while the 3 Series opening is much better shaped. Rear passenger headroom in the C-Class is limited for tall passengers, while the 3 Series fares better even though it has a raised centre rear seat.

The most practical model in this trio would be the A4. Even though it also has a 480-litre boot capacity, its large boxy opening allows easy loading of large or unusually-shaped objects. Unlike its rivals, the A4’s three-way folding seats come standard, and its rear passenger space is the roomiest. It also has generous cubby space.

Engines

Audi’s 2.0-litre diesel engine is smooth and quiet, and is available in two versions. The low-power one has 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque, while the high-output variant has 140 kW and 400 Nm. The low-output saloon accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, and can reach speeds up to 219 km/h. In the 140 kW version, the A4 Sedan sprints from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 237 km/h.

Other A4 engine choices include the 1.4 and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrols, and a pair of beefy 3.0-litre V6 diesels (160 kW and 200 kW). The 1.4 TFSI puts out power of 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 210 km/h. The 2.0 TFSI is available in two versions, with the top version offering 185 kW and 370 Nm, and runs from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds. This variant is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h.

The C-Class range starts from a 1.6-litre in the C 180 that delivers 115 kW and 250 Nm. The C 200 has a 2.0-litre that produces power of 150 kW and 300 Nm, while the C 220d has 143 kW and 400 Nm. The C 300 (also with a 2.0-litre turbo “four”) delivers 190 kW and 370 Nm and lastly, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 puts out 287 kW and 520 Nm from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol.

There are six engines in the BMW 3 Series range: 318i, 320i, 320d, 330i, 330d and the 340i. The 318i puts out 100 kW and torque of 220 Nm, the 320i has 135 kW/290 Nm, the 320d has 140 kW/400 Nm, the 330d has 185 kW/350 Nm, the 330d has 190 kW/560 Nm and lastly, the 340i puts out 240 kW/450 Nm. BMW’s eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox is highly recommended and is available in all 3 Series variants.

Verdict

Performance: We rate Audi as the winner here, as it has the best handling and driving performance, and its 2.0TFSI beats the equivalent BMW and Mercedes-Benz offerings.

In-car entertainment (ICE): BMW’s iDrive is ahead of the equivalent Audi MMI, and far better than the Mercedes-Benz COMAND entertainment, except for the bass on the Mercedes-Benz sound system. The Sport button in the BMW is also a nice touch.

Elegance: A Mercedes-Benz on the driveway of a massive country house: no more needs to be said.

You won’t have buyer’s remorse with either one of these cars. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a refined driving experience with the luxury of its bigger siblings, packaged into a smaller and more efficient offering. The BMW 3 Series is also great to drive but offers impressive usability.

While a little more reserved in appearance, the Audi A4 offers a winning combination of practicality, comfort and desirability and therefore takes the compact executive crown.

To shop for your very own compact executive car, visit our BMW 3 Series sales page, Audi A4 sales page, or our Mercedes-Benz C-Class sales page.