BMW Serie 3 vs Mercedes-Benz Classe C: which one to choose?
BMW Serie 3 or Mercedes-Benz Classe C? On price, BMW Serie 3 starts at €49,000 against €54,500 for Mercedes-Benz Classe C, a gap of €5,500. For boot space, BMW Serie 3 offers 480 L against 455 L. The right choice depends mostly on your budget, your use and the powertrain you want: here are the figures, then the profiles each one suits best.
The head-to-head in figures
| BMW Serie 3 | Mercedes-Benz Classe C | |
|---|---|---|
| Body type | Saloon | Saloon |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot | 480 L | 455 L |
| New powertrains | Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid | Mild hybrid 48 V, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid |
| New price from | €49,000 | €54,500 |
| Lowest consumption | 1.5 L/100 km | 0.7 L/100 km |
| Electric range (max) | — | — |
| Used, 3 years old (est.) | €28,600 – €32,400 | €31,800 – €38,300 |
| Used, 5 years old (est.) | €21,000 – €23,800 | €17,100 – €28,100 |
Which one should you choose for your profile?
- Tight budget : BMW Serie 3 is €5,500 cheaper at entry level (€49,000 against €54,500).
- Family or luggage : BMW Serie 3 has the larger boot (480 L).
- Low fuel use : Mercedes-Benz Classe C reaches 0.7 L/100 km at best, against 1.5 L/100 km.
This head-to-head relies on spec sheets and public prices, not a road test. The best choice depends on your budget, your use and your journeys.
Frequently asked questions
BMW Serie 3 or Mercedes-Benz Classe C: which is cheaper?
BMW Serie 3 is cheaper at entry level: €49,000 against €54,500 for Mercedes-Benz Classe C (entry trim, public price list).
Which has the bigger boot, BMW Serie 3 or Mercedes-Benz Classe C?
BMW Serie 3: 480 L. Mercedes-Benz Classe C: 455 L.
Are BMW Serie 3 and Mercedes-Benz Classe C available as electric or hybrid?
BMW Serie 3: Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid. Mercedes-Benz Classe C: Mild hybrid 48 V, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid.
What are a used BMW Serie 3 and Mercedes-Benz Classe C worth?
Compar'Car estimates a 2023 BMW Serie 3 at €28,600 to €32,400 and a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Classe C at €31,800 to €38,300. These are estimates from a depreciation model, not market valuations.
Which one is made for you?
Enter your profile: Compar'Car ranks these two vehicles, and up to six more, new or used, against your criteria.