2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 BMW 3 Series is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 BMW 3 Series is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a thrilling driving experience, advanced technology features, and strong safety capabilities, although keep in mind that these models aren't direct rivals.
Choose the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class if:
Shop Now- You value luxurious comfort and spaciousness, with increased front and rear headroom, more rear legroom, and a larger cargo space.
- You desire advanced technology features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 30-speaker Burmester audio system.
- You prioritize safety, with a plethora of features including an industry-first rear-passenger airbag, adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and more.
Choose the 2020 BMW 3 Series if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a thrilling driving experience with significant structural and suspension changes, robust turbocharged engine, and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.
- You appreciate advanced technology features such as a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control.
- You seek a vehicle with strong safety features, including adaptive full LED headlights and advanced driving assistance systems.
Overview | |
MSRP$40,750 | MSRP$109,800 |
Average price$28,291 | Average price$85,890 |
Listings832 | Listings191 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 BMW 3 Series Reviews SummaryDoes BMW still use “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as its advertising tagline? Yes, it does. And with the arrival of the 2020 BMW M340i, which slots between the existing 330i and the forthcoming M3, the company proves there is substance behind the slogan. | |
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews SummaryThe S-Class not only sits at the top of the Mercedes hierarchy in price and prestige, but it has also long served as a technological showcase. In the press release for the redesigned 2021 S-Class, Mercedes repeatedly noted the innovations—from anti-lock brakes to airbags—that were introduced on the big sedan and eventually trickled down to mainstream vehicles. With the previous generation dating back to the 2014 model year (with a significant update for 2018), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was in need of an update to maintain that status, and to keep pace with other full-size luxury sedans like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS. To do that, the new S-Class gets a more sophisticated infotainment system, new powertrains, and more aerodynamic bodywork, among other features. The 2021 S-Class launches in two configurations, both with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) and EQ Boost mild-hybrid systems. The S500 4Matic has a six-cylinder engine, while the S580 4Matic has a V8. We spent a few days with the Mercedes-Benz S580 for this review. A Mercedes-Maybach S680 4Matic version will follow in the first half of 2022, and you can expect a new AMG performance version sometime in the future as well. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine3.0L 429 hp I6 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower429 hp @ 6100 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name3.0L 429 hp I6 |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | Torque384 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower429 hp @ 6100 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Leather Seats | Leather SeatsOptional |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemOptional |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofOptional |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.0 cu ft | Cargo Space12.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3589 lbs | Curb Weight4740 lbs |
Height56.8 in | Height59.2 in |
Length185.7 in | Length208.2 in |
Width81.4 in | Width83.0 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase126.6 in |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 BMW 3 Series is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 BMW 3 Series is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a thrilling driving experience, advanced technology features, and strong safety capabilities, although keep in mind that these models aren't direct rivals.
Choose the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class if:
Shop Now- You value luxurious comfort and spaciousness, with increased front and rear headroom, more rear legroom, and a larger cargo space.
- You desire advanced technology features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 30-speaker Burmester audio system.
- You prioritize safety, with a plethora of features including an industry-first rear-passenger airbag, adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and more.
Choose the 2020 BMW 3 Series if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a thrilling driving experience with significant structural and suspension changes, robust turbocharged engine, and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.
- You appreciate advanced technology features such as a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control.
- You seek a vehicle with strong safety features, including adaptive full LED headlights and advanced driving assistance systems.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $40,750 | $109,800 |
Average price | $28,291 | $85,890 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 5.0 |
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Does BMW still use “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as its advertising tagline? Yes, it does. And with the arrival of the 2020 BMW M340i, which slots between the existing 330i and the forthcoming M3, the company proves there is substance behind the slogan. | The S-Class not only sits at the top of the Mercedes hierarchy in price and prestige, but it has also long served as a technological showcase. In the press release for the redesigned 2021 S-Class, Mercedes repeatedly noted the innovations—from anti-lock brakes to airbags—that were introduced on the big sedan and eventually trickled down to mainstream vehicles. With the previous generation dating back to the 2014 model year (with a significant update for 2018), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was in need of an update to maintain that status, and to keep pace with other full-size luxury sedans like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS. To do that, the new S-Class gets a more sophisticated infotainment system, new powertrains, and more aerodynamic bodywork, among other features. The 2021 S-Class launches in two configurations, both with 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) and EQ Boost mild-hybrid systems. The S500 4Matic has a six-cylinder engine, while the S580 4Matic has a V8. We spent a few days with the Mercedes-Benz S580 for this review. A Mercedes-Maybach S680 4Matic version will follow in the first half of 2022, and you can expect a new AMG performance version sometime in the future as well. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 3.0L 429 hp I6 |
Drive Train | RWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 429 hp @ 6100 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 3.0L 429 hp I6 |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | 384 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 429 hp @ 6100 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Optional | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Optional |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Optional |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.0 cu ft | 12.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3589 lbs | 4740 lbs |
Height | 56.8 in | 59.2 in |
Length | 185.7 in | 208.2 in |
Width | 81.4 in | 83.0 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 126.6 in |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.