BMW 328i and Mercedes-Benz C250 review

A sporty, fuel-efficient 3 Series has the edge in a classic showdown

Consumer Reports magazine: August 2012

The BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class sport sedans make up one of the auto world's great rivalries. And the results of this latest face-off couldn't be closer. Redesigned for 2012, the BMW 328i (far right) beat out the updated Mercedes C250 by only one point in our road-test scores: 86 vs. 85. Both are improved over the previous models we tested, but they still score below the Infiniti G37 in this category.

The 328i is quicker, handles better, and is more fun to drive than the Mercedes. And we recorded an impressive 28 mpg overall, easily the best fuel economy in the class. But the C250 is quieter and provides a more refined powertrain and simpler controls. Prices are $43,195 for the 328i and $40,705 for the C250. Since we don't yet have reliability data on this redesigned BMW or the Mercedes' new engine, we can't recommend either car.

Performance vs. refinement

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine gets a class-leading 28 mpg overall.

The 328i's 240-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and seamless eight-speed automatic transmission deliver impressive acceleration, but the engine emits a diesel-like clatter, especially at idle and low speeds. And the electronic shifter isn't intuitive. A new stop/start system, similar to that used in hybrids, cuts off the engine when the car comes to a stop and automatically restarts it when the driver lifts his foot off the brake pedal. This saves about 1 mpg in city driving, but the car shuddered each time the engine restarted. The system can be easily disengaged.

The C250's 201-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is new for 2012, is mated to a slick seven-speed automatic. It's not as powerful as the 328i's and managed only 24 mpg, but it's the smoothest and most refined four-cylinder we've ever tested. Both cars require premium fuel.

Each car provides taut, agile handling, with little body lean and high cornering limits. Steering is well weighted and responsive in both, but the BMW's is less communicative than in the previous model. Both were impressive on our track, but the BMW really shines.

Expect a composed, quiet ride in either car, with the C250's cabin especially hushed. Both cars have a commendably absorbent ride that is rock steady on the highway.

Posh surroundings

A dual-panel sunroof brightens up the cabin.

As you would expect at this price, the cars have high-quality, well-equipped cabins. Our 328i's seats are plush leather, while the C250 uses a respectable imitation. The seats in both are firmly padded and supportive, with multiple power adjustments.

While the Mercedes has a slight edge in front-seat comfort, its rear seat is tight for adults. Two can fit comfortably in the 328i's improved rear.

Controls are complicated in both cars, but notably worse in the 328i. It has handy hard keys for some radio and climate functions, but you still have to use a multifunction controller to call up menus for many audio controls, which can be distracting. The C250 also has hard keys for some functions, but you have to pick through onscreen menus for some audio and navigation features.

The trunks are moderately sized, and folding the optional split rear seatbacks makes more cargo space.

	BMW 328i	Mercedes-Benz C250
Highs	Fuel economy, handling, ride, acceleration, transmission, fit and finish	Ride, handling, transmission, front-seat comfort, fit and finish
Lows	Engine clatter, controls, abrupt start/stop system	Rear-seat space, some controls
Trim line	Luxury	Luxury
Drivetrain	240-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive	201-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine; seven-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
Major options	Walnut trim, 18-inch wheels, heated steering wheel and seats, folding rear seat, moonroof, power front seats with lumbar, satellite radio	Panoramic sunroof, power driver's seat, folding rear seat, heated seats, navigation system, 17-inch alloy wheels, walnut trim
Tested price	$43,195	$40,705

More test findings

	BMW 328i	Mercedes-Benz C250
Braking	Very good, with short stops and linear pedal feel.	Very good on both wet and dry pavement.
Headlights	Low beams project only a very short distance. High beams provide very good forward visibility and intensity.	Low beams don't reach far and have a sharp upper cutoff.
Access	Fairly easy overall.	Easy up front; a little more difficult to the rear.
Visibility	Thin pillars and good glass area. A rear-view camera is optional.	Thin pillars and good glass area. A rear-view camera is optional.
Cabin storage	Modest, with small storage compartments.	Modest, with several small bins and nooks.
Head restraints	The rear center restraint must be flipped up to properly protect an adult.	The center rear restraint must be raised to protect an adult.
Child seats	Some rear-facing child seats can be difficult to secure in the outboard rear seats using safety belts. The LATCH system provides a secure fit, but the anchors can be difficult to access.	It may be tough to secure a rear-facing child seat in the center rear. The LATCH system provides a secure installation, but the anchors are difficult to access.