2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. BMW 3-Series

C-Class vs. 3-Series: Engine Options & Specs

Look at the Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. BMW 3 Series engines, and you’ll quickly note that the base engines for both models are similar. Yet, if you move up the lineup, you’ll find that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup has stronger engines than the BMW 3-Series:

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan – Powertrains

• 2.0L I4 Turbo Engine (C 300 Sedan, C 300 4MATIC®® Sedan)- Produces 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque 
• AMG®-enhanced 3.0L V6 Biturbo Engine (AMG® C 43 Sedan)- Produces 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque 
• Handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 BiturboEngine (AMG® C 63 Sedan)- Produces 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque 
• Handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 Biturbo Engine (AMG® C 63 S Sedan)- Produces 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque 

2021 BMW 3-Series Sedan – Powertrains

• 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder with 255 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder & Electric Motor with 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo Inline-6 with 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque

Aside from the additional engine power offered by the C-Class, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class also provides additional gears for pin-point shifting via its 9-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 3-Series comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

C-Class vs. 3-Series: Premium Features

Power front seats with memory, genuine wood trims, and 40/20/40 split fold-down rear seats are standard within the cabin of both the Mercedes-Benz Class and BMW 3-Series. Despite these similar features, there are a few ways in which the C-Class distinguishes itself from the 3-Series, such as offering: 

• HANDS-FREE ACCESS® is an add-on for the 3-Series, but can be enjoyed as standard in the C-Class. This feature allows you to easily load your vehicle — even if your hands are full. 
• ATTENTION ASSIST® uses 70 parameters to learn your driving habits and then alerts you if you’re getting drowsy. 
• Car-to-X-Communication is an optional feature that is exclusive to the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Using this feature your C-Class can exchange information with other vehicles to alert you to accidents, slowdowns, and more!
• A 12.3-inch central touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are standard in the C-Class. In the 3-Series, these features only measure 8.8 inches diagonally.