How does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class compare to the BMW 3-Series?
The luxury sedan may no longer carry the weight it once did as more and more consumers opt for the SUV version of said models, but they still have a place in today's market. The two major players, Mercedes and BMW, are still around, and we explore how the current C-Class and 3 Series models compare in diesel derivatives.
Luxury sedan comparison
Although the vast majority of car sales these days are for crossovers and SUVs, sedans still have a space, albeit small. When it comes to luxury machines of this nature, the two top contenders that have been battling each other for decades are still there. Mercedes-Benz and BMW still fight it out month after month, still offering a premium diving experience with all the tech and features you could need.
Related: Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG Line (2022) Review
With many folks still shopping in this segment, opting for performance or performance-oriented versions of these cars, do the base models still hold up? We pit the diesel-powered C-Class AMG line, up against the diesel-powered BMW M Sport.
BMW 320d M Sport (2023) Review
Drivetrain
| Mercedes-Benz C220d AMG Line | BMW 320d M Sport | |
| Engine | 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel with 48V mild hybrid | 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel |
| Transmission | 9-speed 9G-tronic Auto | 8-speed Steptronic Auto |
| Power Figures | 162kW (147 engine+15 eboost) / 440Nm + 200 eboost | 140kW / 400Nm |
| Suspension | Electronic Adaptive | Optional adaptive |
The Mercedes is only partially more powerful than the BMW, offering a subtle electronic boost from its hybrid assist. The BMW is also short a gear at the top end, but in terms of driving dynamics, the difference is only marginal.
Fuel Consumption
| Mercedes-Benz C220d AMG Line | BMW 320d M Sport | |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 4.7 L / 100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Actual consumption (combined cycle) | 6.7 L /100km | 6.0 L/ 100km |
| Tank Size (litres) | 66 | 59 |
| Claimed distance on a full tank | 1404km | 1204km |
| True distance on a full tank | 983km | 998km |
| Top Speed | 245km/h | 235km/h |
The e-boost benefits the Mercedes by providing much better fuel economy and a much longer range out of a full fuel tank.
Safety
| Mercedes-Benz C220d AMG Line | BMW 320d M Sport | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | 360 Degree | Yes (optional 360 Degree) |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | Front and Rear | Front and Rear |
| Airbags | 6 (opt 8) | 6 |
| Cruise control | Adaptive | Yes (optional adaptive) |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Optional |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | Yes | Optional |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Std (optional keyless) |
| LED Lighting | Front and Rear | Front and Rear |
Whereas Mercedes has most of its gear as standard, if you want those same features in the BMW, you will have to tick some options, which is an extra cost.
Practicality
| Mercedes-Benz C220d AMG Line | BMW 320d M Sport | |
| Load space (litres) | 455 | 480 |
| Towing capacity, braked/unbraked | 625kg unbraked / 1800kg braked | 750kg unbraked / 1600kg braked |
| Seating | 5 Adults (partial leather and suede) | 5 Adults (partial cloth and suede or leather and suede) |
| Sunroof | Yes (Optional sliding panoramic) | Optional |
The BMW may have a few extra litres of packing space over the Mercedes, but the Mercedes has a standard sunroof.
Pricing
| Mercedes Benz C220 Avantegarde | R 1 021 492 | BMW 320i | R 913 731 |
| Mercedes Benz C220d Avantegarde | R 1 086 294 | BMW 320d | R 960 877 |
| Mercedes- Benz C200 AMG Line | R 1 075 492 | BMW 3201 M Sport | R 963 731 |
| Mercedes-Benz C220d AMG Line | R 1 140 294 | BMW 320d M Sport | R 1 010 877 |
| BMW 330i M Sport | R 1 034 067 | ||
| BMW M340i xDrive | R 1 364 607 |
Mercedes offers a 2-year / Unlimited km warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan, while BMW also offers a 2-year / Unlimited km vehicle warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
The Mercedes is R100 000 more expensive than the BMW, but once you add a few options to the BMW, the price is brought in line, and both vehicles are once again evenly matched. It ultimately comes down to brand preference, as you simply cannot go wrong when choosing between these two.
