BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Powertrain Specs: BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

First, let's talk about engine power because both these luxury sedans pack it in. They both have a sport line that's ideal for those of you who need a lot of adrenaline. The M line from BMW and the AMG line from Mercedes-Benz give your sedan that high-powered engine you crave.

How about their standard engines, though? Well, they both have a standard 2.0L I-4 engine that has that turbocharged kick you'd expect from such crowd-pleasing sedans. These engines also generate 255 horsepower in both vehicles.

We notice a difference when it comes to torque output, however:

As you can see, the standard engine in the BMW generates more torque than the engine in the Mercedes-Benz. This allows it to race ahead out of the gate, accelerating from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.3 seconds. With an acceleration of 5.7 seconds under the same conditions, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class may find itself playing catch up.

Drivetrain and Efficiency

Let's talk about the other powertrain elements that can have a big effect on your experience behind the wheel. Both the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are versatile, giving you the option to equip your sedan with rear-wheel drive or a smart all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

When you're racing along an Alabama highway, which one is going to have you stopping at the pump first? As you'll see in our table below, that's likely the Mercedes-Benz:

With a slightly higher EPA-estimated fuel efficiency, the BMW may have you out longer than the Mercedes-Benz before having to make a pit stop.

BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class Interior

Now that we've had a look under the hood, let's climb inside the cabin. With both the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, you'll find a welcoming space with premium materials and classic wood trim. They both also have plenty of technology to keep you connected. For instance, both luxury sedans have a standard touchscreen in the center stack where you can use Bluetooth® wireless or Apple CarPlay® to access some of your favorite smartphone features.

As for interior dimensions, both the BMW and Mercedes-Benz give you a similar amount of passenger space:

Despite having comparable cabins, the BMW 3 Series has a slightly larger trunk than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Drivers in the BMW may be able to fit an extra carry-on suitcase or reusable bag of groceries in the trunk.