BMW 3 Series G20 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213
BMW 3 Series
G20 · 2018 – 2026
The seventh-generation 3 Series (G20), on the CLAR rear-wheel-drive platform.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
W213 · 2016 – 2023
The fifth-generation E-Class on the MRA platform.
BMW 3 Series
Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Pick the E-Class for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs M274 E 200 · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
|
300 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
7,7 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
|
240 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
114,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
Winner
|
138 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
|
5,9 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
540 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
|
2,94 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,92 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,4 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
Winner
|
11,6 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
|
2.100 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | MRA (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 | M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed 9G-TRONIC |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| 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
- AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
- Electronics/software: MBUX and driver-aid glitches (mostly fixed via updates)
Pros
- Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
- Big boot & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
- 540 L boot (Estate: 640–670 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
- Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (E 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm, ~4.6 L/100 km)
- MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
- E 300 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 700 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
- PHEV (E 300 e) shrinks boot space
- Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance
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 E-Class
Serene, isolating and effortlessly luxurious. Steering is light and accurate, the ride hushed and composed, and the E-Class swallows motorway miles without a trace of stress. 4MATIC adds all-weather security, though the character stays comfort-first rather than sporting. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, irons out rough roads beautifully. The petrols are smooth and eager with 48-volt assistance, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the E 300 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts seamlessly, rarely drawing attention to itself. Overall a calm, tech-rich executive saloon built for distance, not drama.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 3 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
32 for sale · from € 4.850
Mercedes-Benz E 200 Camera · CarPlay · Navigation
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz E 200 plug-in hybrid · AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · Head-up …
click2move by Declerc
Mercedes-Benz E 220 CarPlay · LED · Sport seats
Simplici Car Liège
Mercedes-Benz E 220 360° camera · CarPlay · LED
Simplici Car Liège
