BMW 3 Series G20 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206
BMW 3 Series
G20 · 2018 – 2026
The seventh-generation 3 Series (G20), on the CLAR rear-wheel-drive platform.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W206 · 2021 – 2026
The fifth-generation C-Class on the MRA2 platform.
BMW 3 Series
Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Pick the C-Class for an S-Class-inspired interior, a hushed ride and efficient engines in a premium compact executive sedan.
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs M254 C 200 · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
204 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
|
300 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
7,3 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
|
246 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
|
129,5 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
Winner
|
140 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
6,2 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
Winner
|
455 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
|
2,87 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,75 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,4 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
11,1 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
|
1.800 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | MRA2 (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 330e PHEV | M254 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed 9G-TRONIC |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
- Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage
- Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
- 9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
- MBUX software glitches (mostly fixed via updates)
- M254 (48V mild-hybrid): electrical issues possible
Pros
- Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
- Big boot & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
- MBUX dual-screen and modern S-Class-inspired styling
- Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (C 220 d: 200 hp / 440 Nm, ~4.6 L/100 km)
- MRA2 rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
- C 300 e PHEV: 313 hp and 550 Nm, ~100 km electric range
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
- PHEV (C 300 e) shrinks boot space
- 9G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Driving experience
BMW 3 Series
Precise, balanced and still the class benchmark to drive. Steering is quick, accurate and communicative, body control taut, and the rear-drive chassis stays planted yet adjustable through bends. sDrive keeps the classic 3 Series balance and a hint of playfulness; xDrive adds all-weather grip without dulling the nose. The optional adaptive M suspension spans comfortable to firmly controlled. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and free-revving, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay refined, and the 320e/330e plug-in hybrids glide silently on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick and seamless; the early manual is a rare, engaging treat. Overall a poised sports saloon that blends sharp dynamics with everyday comfort.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Serene, refined and quietly effortless to drive. The W206 puts comfort first: the ride is supple and isolating, the 9G-Tronic shifts are seamless, and the cabin stays hushed at speed. Steering is light and precise rather than talkative, and the body rolls a little more than a 3 Series in corners, but it never feels unsettled. 4MATIC adds all-weather traction without changing the relaxed character. Every engine is a 48-volt mild hybrid, so the petrols are smooth and eager, the diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the C 300 e plug-in glides on electric power around town. Overall a calm, tech-rich executive saloon that trades ultimate sportiness for effortless long-distance comfort.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 3 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
