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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes S-Class comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 635 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 104,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Mercedes S-Class?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Mercedes S-Class: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • significantly cheaper
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter
details

Mercedes S-Class

  • slightly more power
  • only slightly more efficient
  • somewhat more electric range
  • barely more trunk space
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 3 Series Saloon is significantly cheaper – starting at 39,900 £ , while the Mercedes S-Class costs 104,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 64,077 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes S-Class uses 2.2 L/100km and is only slightly more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Saloon with 2.4 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes S-Class offers somewhat more range – reaching up to 118 km, about 17 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

S-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 Mercedes S-Class offers slightly more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 530 HP. That’s roughly 105 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Mercedes S-Class takes 4 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes S-Class delivers somewhat more torque with 850 Nm compared to 700 Nm. That’s about 150 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Saloon is visibly lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 2,165 kg. The difference is around 590 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes S-Class offers barely more boot space – 530 L compared to 480 L. That’s a difference of about 50 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes S-Class carries markedly more – 660 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 165 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is clearly ahead overall 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
details

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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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Reviews BMW 3 Series Saloon

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Mercedes S-Class

The Mercedes S-Class wraps peerless comfort, whisper-quiet luxury and subtle tech wizardry into a chauffeur-ready package that still knows how to engage the driver. It’s the car for buyers who want to arrive relaxed, be taken seriously and occasionally enjoy a grin when the road reminds them this limousine can dance.

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Costs and Consumption
Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Price
104,000 - 201,400 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 11 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
98 - 118 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
50 - 252 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
2,165 - 2,650 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
345 - 530 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,921 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
420 - 660 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, 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
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
336 - 635 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 5.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
560 - 850 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
247 - 467 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
Brand
BMW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the BMW 3 Series Saloon offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

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.