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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes C Class Estate comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 288 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 42,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Mercedes C Class Estate?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes C Class Estate: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • marginally cheaper
  • considerably more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly lighter
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Mercedes C Class Estate

3.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

BMW 3 Series Saloon is marginally cheaper – starting at 39,900 £ , while the Mercedes C Class Estate costs 42,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,658 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes C Class Estate with 4.7 L/100km. The difference is about 2.3 L/100km.

C Class Estate

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 offers considerably more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 288 HP. That’s roughly 242 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Mercedes C Class Estate takes 5.8 s. That’s about 2.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers noticeably more torque with 700 Nm compared to 550 Nm. That’s about 150 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Saloon is slightly lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 1,755 kg. The difference is around 180 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes C Class Estate offers barely more boot space – 490 L compared to 480 L. That’s a difference of about 10 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes C Class Estate carries a bit more – 565 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 70 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £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/100km
  • Electric Range 96 - 101 km
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Mercedes C Class Estate

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

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.

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Mercedes C Class Estate

The Mercedes C-Class wagon dresses Mercedes refinement in a sensible, practical package, marrying a sleek estate silhouette with a plush, high-quality cabin that feels more premium than its badge implies. It quietly soaks up motorway miles and cartloads of family kit with composed handling and effortless comfort — a clever alternative to an SUV for buyers who still like to steer.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Mercedes C Class Estate

Costs and Consumption

Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
42,600 - 67,200 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 6.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
123 - 157 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,755 - 1,940 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
490 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,820 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
460 - 565 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
186 - 288 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 - 8.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
250 - 550 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
137 - 212 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,496 - 1,999 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, D
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.