BMW M3 G80 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205
BMW M3
G80 · 2021 – 2026
The current M3 (G80), BMW’s high-performance saloon on the CLAR platform.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W205 · 2014 – 2021
The fourth-generation C-Class (W205), on the MRA rear-wheel-drive platform.
BMW M3
Pick the G80 for the first M3 with optional M xDrive and a manual base variant — S58 pace with everyday saloon practicality.
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
M3 Competition · Petrol vs M274 C 200 · Petrol
| BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
510 hp
Winner
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
650 Nm
Winner
|
300 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
3,9 s
Winner
|
7,2 s
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
Winner
|
237 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
286,5 hp/t
Winner
|
125,2 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
230 g/km
|
131 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
10,5 L/100km
|
5,8 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
480 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,84 m
|
| Length |
4,79 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Ground clearance |
12,0 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
12,2 m
|
11,2 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
0 kg
|
1.800 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (G80, rear-wheel drive or xDrive) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol | M274 2.0 petrol · OM651 2.1 / OM654 2.0 diesel · C 300 e PHEV |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9G-Tronic (9-speed) |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
- Oil-cooler or seal sweating (early cars)
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
- Timing chain on early OM651 diesels
- 9G-Tronic service
- AdBlue (OM654) / Airmatic air suspension
Pros
- Rear-wheel drive retains classic M balance
- xDrive versions are quicker and more secure in poor grip
- Usable rear seats and a 480 L boot for a performance saloon
- S-Class-inspired interior
- Quiet, refined ride (Airmatic)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
Cons
- Big and heavy (~1,705–1,940 kg)
- Firm ride, especially in stiffer settings
- Firm ride on AMG Line
- Dated pre-facelift infotainment
Driving experience
BMW M3
Powerful, refined and highly capable. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and engaging. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a highly versatile high-performance saloon that balances dynamics with everyday usability better than many predecessors.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The W205 leans fully into the Mercedes comfort remit: it wafts rather than corners hard. The ride is plush, the cabin library-quiet at speed, and the 9G-Tronic dissolves shifts so completely you forget it is there. The steering is relaxed and low-effort, matching the unhurried character. Engines matter more than chassis here: the M274/M264 petrols are smooth and unobtrusive, the OM654 diesel is the one to have, and the plug-in covers town trips almost entirely on battery. AIRMATIC, where fitted, turns poor roads into a distant murmur. It does not ask to be driven hard — it makes every journey feel shorter than it was.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW M3
11 for sale · from € 69.950
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
