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2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. 2026 BMW 3 Series Comparison

See how the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 2026 BMW 3 Series performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

C-Class 2026

Luxury small cars

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$49,650 - $88,000

All Test Results

3 Series 2026

Luxury small cars

2026 BMW 3 Series

$47,500 - $88,600

All Test Results
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About
About
The C-Class features a polished powertrain and sharp handling, but the controls and a spongy brake pedal mar the experience. The C300's punchy, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic deliver plenty of invigorating powe...
 
The 3 Series blends driving enjoyment, creature comforts, high-tech features, and good fuel economy. The 330i is fitted with a punchy 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic. Handling is nimble, but the...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Sharp handling
Green Checkmark Icon Quick acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable front seats
Green Checkmark Icon Quality fit and finish
 
Green Checkmark Icon Handling
Green Checkmark Icon Acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Front-seat comfort
Green Checkmark Icon Fit and finish
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Stiff ride (particularly with the AMG package)
Red 'X' Icon Long stopping distances
Red 'X' Icon Unintuitive controls
 
Red 'X' Icon Controls require some practice to master
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

sedan

 

sedan

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Premium, C63 S E, Pinnacle, Exclusive, C43

 

330i, M3, M3 Competition, M340i

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$49,650 - $88,000

 

$47,500 - $88,600

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD, RWD

 

AWD, RWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2-liter 4 turbo (402 hp); 2-liter 4 turbo (255 hp); 2-liter 4 plugin hybrid (671 hp)

 

3-liter 6 turbo (473 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (523 hp); 2-liter 4 turbo (255 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (503 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (386 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

9-speed Automatic

 

8-speed Automatic, 6-speed Manual

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.