Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW M3

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money.

The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress.

The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), optional 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), and Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels. Our test car was a C300 4Matic in the top Pinnacle trim. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring.

For six generations, the BMW M3 sedan has long exemplified everyday-friendly high-performance, and for 2025, its current G80 generation possesses a handful of exterior and tech mid-cycle updates to keep the formula fresh. It’s what brand enthusiasts refer to as the LCI model, or, life-cycle impulse.

Since 2021, the M3 been offered in either standard or Competition trims, xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD), and with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Bavarian brand maintains its inline-six engine layout—a cornerstone of its history—and there’s no hybrid assistance to be found; just two mono-scroll turbochargers to help produce thrilling acceleration all over the rev band.

Verdict: There are few purpose-built-yet-all-purpose vehicles on the road that offer the same thrills as BMW’s most iconic four-door performance badge.