If fuel cost matters most
BMW 3 Series with up to 41 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class answer the same shopping question from different directions. The 3 Series is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the C-Class reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 1975 - present | 1993 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 382 hp | 408 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 41 MPG | 40 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2019/2021) | 0 | 0 |
| Latest dimensions | 4709 × 1827 × 1435 mm | 4751 × 1820 × 1438 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1600 kg (3527 lbs) | 1737 kg (3829 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol | Petrol |
If power matters most
Mercedes-Benz C-Class with a verified peak of 408 hp.
If safety is the filter
They are effectively tied on this metric; use the table and generation links for context.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | BMW 3 Series3 Series G20 320i 2.0 | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC-Class W206 C 200 mild-hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 + ISG |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1998 cc) | 1.5L (1496 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 300 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 7.1 s | 7.3 s |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h | 246 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 9 |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 35.0 MPG | 33.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 47.0 MPG | 46.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 41.0 MPG | 40.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 139 g/km | 142 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4709 mm | 4751 mm |
| Width | 1827 mm | 1820 mm |
| Height | 1435 mm | 1438 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2851 mm | 2865 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1500 kg | 1665 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the 3 Series or the C-Class?
BMW 3 Series wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 41 MPG, versus 40 MPG for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Which has more horsepower, the 3 Series or the C-Class?
Mercedes-Benz C-Class reaches the higher verified peak at 408 hp, compared with 382 hp for the BMW 3 Series.
Which is safer: 3 Series or C-Class?
BMW 3 Series has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 5★; Mercedes-Benz C-Class has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.