What's the Difference: Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 3 Series

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Summary

Both the best-selling vehicle in the small luxury sedan segment and the top-selling model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class continues its legacy as the benchmark for compact luxury cars.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class model lineup:

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 4MATIC®
• Mercedes-AMG® C 43
• Mercedes-AMG® C 63
• Mercedes-AMG® C 63 S

The standard powertrain for the C-Class C 300 teams a nine-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive (RWD). The Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC® is equipped with all-time all-wheel drive (AWD).

BMW 3 Series Summary

The BMW 3 Series is the epitome of a compact sports sedan that blends agile performance with a winning combination of luxury and tech innovation.

The BMW 3 Series model lineup:

• BMW 3 Series 330i sedan
• BMW 3 Series 330i xDrive sedan
• BMW 3 Series 330e sedan
• BMW 3 Series 330e xDrive sedan
• BMW 3 Series M340i sedan
• BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive sedan

The BMW 3 Series comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission paired with rear-wheel drive (RWD). All 3 Series xDrive sedans are equipped with BMW's intelligent AWD.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 3 Series
Reliability and Quality

According to Consumer Reports, the 2023 C-Class is expected to be "less reliable than other new cars." They base this prediction on the brand history of Mercedes-Benz as well as on information regarding recent redesigns.

According to Consumer Reports, the 2023 3 Series is expected to be "more reliable than the average new car." They base this prediction on the previous data compiled on 2020, 2021, and 2022 models.

Performance and Efficiency

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Base engine: 255-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild hybrid

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6 seconds

Fuel economy: 17-24 city, 24-33 highway (EPA estimated mpg* varies by trim, engine, and drivetrain)

Hybrid Integrated Starter-Generator: This innovative system electrifies the inline-four gas engine. The electric assist from a 48-volt lithium-ion battery supplies power to certain components (ex: water pump) that were previously belt-driven and generates a burst of gas-free power (up to 21 horsepower) for immediate response. The system recaptures energy during deceleration.

DYNAMIC SELECT: Allows you to fine-tune your vehicle's throttle response, shift points, steering effort, and ECO-Start/Stop system with the flip of a switch. The multimode program includes ECO, Comfort, and Sport modes. Customized your car's character with the "Individual" mode. You can even change from an automatic to a manual transmission.

NANOSLIDE technology: A patented process that upgrades engine cylinder walls to improve performance, efficiency, and durability and offers more immediate and consistent power over a longer service life.

BMW 3 Series

Base engine: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds

Fuel economy: 16-25 city, 22-34 highway (EPA estimated mpg* varies by trim, engine, and drivetrain)

An available M Sport Package adds M Sport-enhanced suspension.

My Modes: Customize your driving experience according to your mood. You can change drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, or Sport+, and the all-new Expressive and Relax), adjust throttle response and steering settings, plus select new audio and display settings.

Hybrid technology: The 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder engine pairs with an integrated eDrive 107 horsepower electric motor for a total power output of 288 horsepower. The 330e plug-in hybrid offers an all-electric range of 22 miles for emissions-free driving.

Safety and Driving Assistance

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes equipped with top-of-the-line safety and driver assistance features. As you maneuver busy downtown streets and traffic-filled interstates, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected by:

• ATTENTION ASSIST®
• Active Brake Assist
• Adaptive braking technology
• Advanced airbag system
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist
• Rearview camera
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers

PRE-SAFE®: Detects instability if vehicle maneuvers suggest a collision or rollover is imminent. To better prepare occupants for a collision, the system tightens seat-belt tensioners, adjusts the front passenger seat, and closes the windows and sunroof.

Parking Damage Detector: An innovative system that detects certain types of impacts that may cause damage to your parked vehicle. You can receive a push notification to your phone via the Mercedes me connect app. Or, the next time you start your C-Class, the system sends a notification message to your display.

BMW 3 Series

Safety is a BMW hallmark, and the 3 Series comes equipped with a suite of features to make any driver feel secure and in control on the road.

Standard active driver safety technology:

• Frontal Collision Warning
• Forward Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Adaptive headlights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Rearview camera

Active Protection System: An intuitive safety feature that knows when an accident is imminent. To prepare for the collision, the system automatically activates post-crash braking, pre-tensions all safety belts, and closes open windows and the moonroof. Also includes Fatigue and Focus Alert features.

Driving Assistance Professional Package: Includes: Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways; Active Driving Assistant Pro (Active Driving Assistant Plus includes Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance, Traffic Jam Assistant, Evasion Aid, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert, in addition to the contents of Active Driving Assistant.)

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology is an available add-on for both the C-Class and 3 Series.

Infotainment and Technology

Armrests with cupholders are convenient and helpful. And tri- versus dual-zone climate control is important for some. But for today's drivers, connectivity and intuitive technology reign supreme. Here's a comparison of the multimedia features of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs the BMW 3 Series.

Standard infotainment system tech for both the C-Class and 3 Series include:

• Bluetooth®** wireless technology
• Apple CarPlay®
• Android Auto™
• Natural language voice control capabilities
• USB-C charging ports

Both offer an available Head-Up Display.

Vehicle specific technology

Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX): At the forefront of cockpit control, MBUX gives you control of your digital interfaces via an 11.9-inch touchscreen, touch-sensitive controls, and a voice control system that responds to "Hey, Mercedes" keyword activation.

Mercedes me: Access your C-Class with your phone from anywhere. Features include remote start, door lock and unlock, and vehicle tracking. Integrates with Google Home and Amazon Alexa for certain features.

iDrive 8 Operating System: An advanced operating system controlled by voice, touchscreen, or iDrive touchpad controller. Includes navigation, Bluetooth®**, USB-C ports, and multiple Over-the-Air (OTA) map updates. Newly standard is the BMW curved display with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central display.

BMW ConnectedDrive: Allows you to integrate your mobile devices and smart home technology seamlessly with the intelligent interfaces of your 3 Series.

Shop Mercedes-Benz C-Class Near Cockeysville, MD

When you're in the market for a compact luxury sports sedan, stop by Mercedes-Benz of Hunt Valley. As the luxury vehicle dealership in Towson, Baltimore, and Cockeysville, we offer a superior selection of new Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

From the moment you step into our luxury showroom until you drive away in your new car, we work hard to ensure an easy and enjoyable car-buying experience.

Perhaps you're undecided about purchasing a new C-Class? Our online showroom features an array of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles as well as pre-owned sedans, coupes, and SUVs from other manufacturers.

Our inventory selection is as comprehensive as our available finance options. Our dealership finance experts will guide you step-by-step through the financing process in a no-pressure, no-hassle manner. We offer competitive rates, flexible terms, and liberal lease options. We'll design financing that's tailored to your specific needs.

Ready to get behind the steering wheel of a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Browse our inventory then give us a call or stop by for a test drive. Located at 9800 York Road, we're just a half mile southwest of County Home Park Tennis and Pickleball Courts.

*Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition, and other factors.

**Bluetooth® is a registered mark Bluetooth SIG, INC.