Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 5 Series
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for Sale
Shop Now2021 BMW 5 Series for Sale
Shop NowOverview | |
MSRP$43,550 | MSRP$54,200 |
Average price$26,742 | Average price$27,825 |
Listings9412 | Listings9508 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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Reviews SummaryThe 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. | |
Reviews SummaryBMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout. Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better. That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes. The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine | Engine2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Drive Train | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
MPG City | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space12.6 cu ft | Cargo Space14.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3825 lbs | Curb Weight3765 lbs |
Height56.6 in | Height58.2 in |
Length187.0 in | Length195.8 in |
Width80.0 in | Width83.7 in |
Wheelbase112.8 in | Wheelbase117.1 in |
Maximum Payload1202 lbs | Maximum Payload800 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for Sale
Shop Now2021 BMW 5 Series for Sale
Shop NowOverview | ||
MSRP | $43,550 | $54,200 |
Average price | $26,742 | $27,825 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | 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. | BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout. Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better. That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes. The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 248 hp I4 | |
Drive Train | RWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm | |
MPG City | 25 | |
MPG Highway | 33 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.0L 248 hp I4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | |
MPG Highway | 33 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 12.6 cu ft | 14.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3825 lbs | 3765 lbs |
Height | 56.6 in | 58.2 in |
Length | 187.0 in | 195.8 in |
Width | 80.0 in | 83.7 in |
Wheelbase | 112.8 in | 117.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1202 lbs | 800 lbs |
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.