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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes A-Class - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (530 HP vs 320 HP), boot space and price (39900 £ vs 32300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Mercedes A-Class?

BMW 3 Series Saloon

Mercedes A-Class

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Mercedes A-Class has a clearly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 32300 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7680 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes A-Class manages with 2.30 L and is therefore barely noticeable more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Saloon with 2.40 L. The difference is about 0.10 L per 100 km.

As for electric range, the BMW 3 Series Saloon performs to a small extent better – achieving up to 101 km, about 16 km more than the Mercedes A-Class.

A-Class

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 530 HP compared to 320 HP. That’s roughly 210 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is distinct quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the Mercedes A-Class takes 4.70 s. That’s about 1.20 s faster.

There’s no difference in top speed – both reach 250 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW 3 Series Saloon pulls clearly perceptible stronger with 700 Nm compared to 450 Nm. That’s about 250 Nm difference.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Mercedes A-Class is minimal lighter – 1440 kg compared to 1575 kg. The difference is around 135 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers evident more room – 480 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 130 L.

When it comes to payload, BMW 3 Series Saloon minimal takes the win – 495 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 10 kg.

Who wins the race?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
BMW 3 Series Saloon is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.4 - 10.1 L
  • Electric Range : 96 - 101 km
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Mercedes A-Class

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

details

Mercedes A-Class

The Mercedes A‑Class arrives as a compact charmer that dresses premium materials and a cockpit full of screens in a tidy, city-friendly package, delivering surprising agility and poise. For buyers who want a luxury badge, clever tech and a car that's equally happy in tight streets or on a spirited country run, the A‑Class offers a grown-up feel with a cheeky streak.

details
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Mercedes A-Class

Costs and Consumption

Price
39900 - 91000 £
Price
32300 - 55600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 8.3 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
85 km
Battery Capacity
19.50 kWh
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
53 - 188 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
5
Curb weight
1575 - 1960 kg
Curb weight
1440 - 1695 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
310 - 350 L
Length
4713 - 4714 mm
Length
4428 - 4447 mm
Width
1827 - 1903 mm
Width
1796 mm
Height
1440 - 1446 mm
Height
1407 - 1423 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1125 - 1190 L
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
475 - 485 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
116 - 320 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.7 - 9.7 s
Max Speed
218 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 250 km/h
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
200 - 450 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
85 - 235 kW
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, D, E, G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the BMW 3 Series Saloon?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.