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

Exterior view of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2021 BMW 3 Series
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2021 BMW 3 Series
255-hp 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder

Base Engine

255-hp 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder
4

Available Powertrains

3
9-speed automatic

Transmission

8-speed 8utomatic
Standard

Driver Attention Monitor

Feature Not Offered
Standard

HANDS-FREE ACCESS®

Available
Optional

Car-to-X Communication

Feature Not Offered
12.3 inches as standard

Central Touchscreen Display

8.8 inches as standard

If you’re looking for a new luxury sedan for your daily drives in Huntington Park, then you may be comparing the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 2021 BMW 3-Series. Both of these models offer premium features and admirable performance for your daily drives. In our opinion, however, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will go above and beyond your expectations. Compare the BMW 3-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class below to see how the C-Class outperforms the BMW 3-Series, then compare the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class to the E-Class to see which of these luxury vehicles is right for your commute!  


Engines and Performance

Drivers comparing the BMW 3 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class will notice that the two models offer very similar base-level engines. However, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers three separate engines with more power than the most powerful 3 Series. Compare the performance specs of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series below:

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Powertrains

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

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 and 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

The base-level C-Class includes rear-wheel drive while the rest of the lineup comes standard with a 9G-TRONIC® 9-speed automatic transmission. The 4MATIC®® AWD is standard on higher configurations, and if you progress to the AMG® line, you’ll be rewarded with AMG® Performance 4MATIC® AWD instead.


Premium Features

Whether you choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the BMW 3 Series for your Huntington Park and Inglewood adventures, you’ll find excellent features on either model. Compare the Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. BMW 3-Series standard features below:

  • Power front seats with memory
  • Genuine wood trim
  • 40/20/40 split fold-down rear seats
  • Selectable drive modes
  • And much more!

As you explore both models, however, you’ll notice a few important differences. Here’s why we think you’ll prefer the Mercedes-Benz C-Class over the BMW 3 Series:

  • HANDS-FREE ACCESS® is standard in the C-Class, but requires an upgrade in the 3 Series. If you’ve ever struggled to open the trunk with your hands full, you know exactly how valuable this feature can be!
  • ATTENTION ASSIST® learns your normal driving behaviors and lets you know when it’s time to take a break. Like the optional Car-to-X-Communication, which allows drivers to share information with one another over the air, it’s exclusive to the Mercedes-Benz line. 
  • The 2021 C-Class Sedan comes standard with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. While the 3 Series offers similar features as standard, they measure just 8.8 inches diagonally.

Test Drive the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class at Mercedes-Benz of Los Angeles

Now that you’ve compared the C-Class vs. BMW 3-Series in depth, visit our Los Angeles showroom to learn more about the 2021 C-Class interior and performance with our team. We can take you on a tour of the C-Class lineup and put you behind the wheel for a test drive. Fill out our online finance application today to get started on the car buying process!

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*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs and terms.

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