BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class smoothly blended design elements from other Mercedes models into a stylish and cohesive sedan. The front end mimicked the droop of the CLA-Class while the rear showcased thin taillights akin to the S-Class. Its cab-rearward proportions, long hood, and short rear deck emphasized its rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform, setting it apart from its front-wheel drive (FWD) siblings, the CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with an optional Digital Light system for adaptive illumination.

Inside, the C-Class channeled a "baby S-Class" vibe with a freestanding touchscreen, instrument cluster, prominent air vents, and intricate optional Burmester audio system speaker grilles. The nightclub-style ambient lighting with 64 color options added a touch of luxury. Despite its luxury billing, it came with MBTex synthetic leather as standard, with Nappa leather available on higher trims. These elements combined to create an interior that felt upscale and special.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series, the heart of the brand since 1975, received a subtle but sporty mid-cycle refresh. The narrow kidney grille and redesigned full-LED headlights maintained a sharp look. The lower air intakes and character lines leading to the flared rear-wheel arches gave it an assertive stance, complemented by standard 18-inch alloys and optional 19-inch wheels. Shadowline trim was standard, while Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic were new paint options for specific models.

Inside, the 3 Series showcased dramatic changes with the introduction of BMW iDrive 8, a cutting-edge operating system paired with the BMW Curved Display totaling 27.2 inches. The minimalist dashboard approach, with fewer buttons and a driver-centric layout, further enhanced its sporty feel. The optional M Sport package added premium elements like an M leather steering wheel.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, providing up to 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The C300 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed limited to 130 mph. The sportier Mercedes-AMG C43 variant used a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine sourced from the SL-Class, producing 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and hitting a top speed of 155 mph (165 mph with optional wheels).

During testing, the C300 4Matic exhibited sufficient power but suffered from occasional turbo lag. The transmission, while quick, was prone to rough shifts and sometimes held gears too long. The ride quality impressed, muting bumps and vibrations, even without a sophisticated air-suspension system. The C-Class handled decently on twisty roads but required a deliberate driving approach.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from the previous year. The 330i and 330e models used a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the latter adding electric assist. The M340i boasted a 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The 330i generated 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e's combined output was 288 hp and 258 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

Fuel economy for the 3 Series varied slightly with different configurations. The 330i achieved 25/34 mpg city/highway and 29 mpg combined, dropping by 1 mpg with xDrive. The 330e rated at 28 mpg combined on gas and 75 MPGe combined in electric mode. The M340i managed 23/31 mpg city/highway and 26 mpg combined, gaining an mpg on the highway with xDrive.

During testing, the 330i with the M Sport package demonstrated quiet and comfortable city driving. On mountain roads, the turbo-four provided ample power but lacked a satisfying engine note. The 330i felt proficient but not exceptional, with a comfortable suspension and neutral steering. Enthusiasts could explore the sportier M340i or M3 for a more thrilling experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, now longer and wider, provided slightly more interior space than its predecessor. Front headroom increased by 0.1 inch, rear headroom by 0.4 inch, and rear legroom by 0.8 inch. It led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom but lagged in front legroom. The seats were comfortable with adequate bolstering for spirited driving, while forward visibility was excellent. Minor issues included dashboard glare in direct sunlight and an inconvenient wireless charging pad location.

The C-Class offered 17.9 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing its rivals. A wide trunk opening facilitated loading, and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench accommodated longer items. A power trunk release was available.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series interior was compact but not cramped, offering 38.7 inches of front headroom and 42 inches of front legroom. Rear occupants enjoyed 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. Taller passengers might feel snug, but the overall space was adequate for average-sized adults. SensaTec faux leather upholstery was standard, with power-adjustable front sport seats providing good bolstering. The leather steering wheel added a sporty touch.

With 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the 3 Series matched the C-Class. The rear seats folded in a 40/20/40-split, allowing for versatile trunk use. Standard features included a power moonroof, with optional amenities like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class mimicked the S-Class with its infotainment setup, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, and a head-up display on higher trims added to its tech appeal. The MBUX system offered a user-friendly Zero Layer setup, displaying multiple items simultaneously with easy access to functions like navigation. Voice recognition was excellent, and touch controls on the steering wheel were intuitive. The optional augmented-reality navigation system enhanced driving with overlaid turn indications on a camera feed.

BMW iDrive 8 brought cutting-edge technology to the 2023 3 Series, with a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. It offered easy touch functionality, customizable widgets, and voice control via BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. This system minimized the frustration often associated with voice-activated commands, providing a seamless user experience. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Optional features encompassed wireless charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a 5G hotspot.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication, although its 2021 predecessor was an IIHS “Top Safety Pick+”. It came with a suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, Pre-Safe system, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional safety features included advanced adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Car-to-X communication allowed vehicles to share information, providing real-time warnings about road conditions.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series earned a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD and xDrive models, but the PHEV variant had no rating. The 2022 model was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, though its headlights received a Poor rating. Standard safety features included a rear view camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard, and the Active Protection System. Optional safety packages offered enhanced features like lane-departure warning, park-distance control, semi-autonomous driving systems, and additional conveniences like a heated steering wheel and head-up display.