BMW M3 G80 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213

BMW M3

G80 · 2021 – 2026

The current M3 (G80), BMW’s high-performance saloon on the CLAR platform.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W213 · 2016 – 2023

The fifth-generation E-Class on the MRA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW M3

Pick the G80 for the first M3 with optional M xDrive and a manual base variant — S58 pace with everyday saloon practicality.

Best engine: The M3 Competition (510 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Pick the E-Class for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.

Best engine: The E 220 d (diesel) or E 200 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M3 Competition · Petrol vs M274 E 200 · Petrol

	BMW M3	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Power	510 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	650 Nm Winner	300 Nm
0–100 km/h	3,9 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	240 km/h
Power-to-weight	286,5 hp/t Winner	114,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	230 g/km	138 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	10,5 L/100km	5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW M3	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Boot	480 L	540 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	—
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,94 m Winner
Length	4,79 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	13,0 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	0 kg	2.100 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW M3	Mercedes-Benz E-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/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW M3

Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
Oil-cooler or seal sweating (early cars)
Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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

BMW M3

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

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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

BMW M3

Big and heavy (~1,705–1,940 kg)
Firm ride, especially in stiffer settings

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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 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 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.