Interested in switching up your daily driving experience? For those in the market for a luxury sedan, there are two particular models that you’ll appreciate: the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and 2022 BMW 3 Series. These small luxury sedans fly under the radar on the road but make a huge impact on drivers and passengers alike. From reliable capabilities to innovative technology, either of these models will deliver the satisfying driving experience you’re looking for. Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and BMW 3 Series.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts at $43,550 MSRP*, and the 2022 BMW 3 Series starts at $42,445 MSRP.
Expressive interior design and intuitive technology are at the forefront of the cabin experience in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and BMW 3 Series. Relaxing seating appointments like MB-Tex or leather upholstery in the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and well bolstered front seats in the BMW 3 Series give you an instant sense of comfort, as do the heated seats — a standard 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan feature that’s an additional cost with the BMW 3 Series.
Another standard feature on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan that’s available with the BMW 3 Series is customizable ambient interior lighting. The 64-color LED ambient lighting system on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan is ideal for creating the perfect tone for your mood. This system also allows you to adjust the brightness and combine colors, and it appears in three different areas within the cabin.
Other available interior features on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan include:
Both the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and BMW 3 Series come with an infotainment system, but the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan has a standard 11.9-inch touchscreen and Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) technology, while the BMW 3 Series only features an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. Plus, the BMW-exclusive infotainment system is only available at an additional price. However, both vehicles have standard Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® so you can pair your phone with the infotainment system seamlessly.
For a unique driving experience, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and BMW 3 Series have forward-thinking controls that are relatively new to the automotive space — biometric authentication on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and Gesture Control on the BMW 3 Series.
Other available technology features on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan include:

Efficient and invigorating performance is possible with the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and BMW 3 Series. Both sedans come equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the BMW 3 Series is also available with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine at an additional cost. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan is equipped with a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD), but you can opt for the 4MATIC® all-wheel drive (AWD) system as well. The BMW 3 Series has an eight-speed automatic transmission and your choice of FWD or AWD, too.
Designed with mild hybrid technology, the turbocharged engine on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan blends more efficient performance while delivering the engaging driving experience of a standard gasoline engine. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan also comes with the DYNAMIC SELECT multimode drive program selector to customize your performance based on road conditions.
See the accompanying table for more information on engine specs and fuel economy.
| Model | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan | BMW 3 Series | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Horsepower | 255 HP | 255 HP | 382 HP |
| Torque | 295 lb.-ft. | 295 lb.-ft. | 368 lb.-ft. |
| Max. MPG (city / hwy) | 25 / 35 | 26 / 36 | 23 / 32 |
Comfortably seat up to five passengers in both the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and BMW 3 Series. If you’re going to be utilizing the trunk space, you’ll be happy to know that the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space while the BMW 3 Series has 17 cubic feet of cargo space. To take advantage of the cargo area to the fullest extent, you can also fold down the rear seats.
You’ll feel confident in either the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan or 2022 BMW 3 Series thanks to the host of safety and driver assistance technologies offered. A rear view camera is standard equipment on both models, as are forward collision warning — called ATTENTION ASSIST® on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan — and brake assist.
Other standard safety features you’ll find on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan include:
*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.
Sport-inspired performance, unique design, and advanced technology are key elements that drivers are looking for in a new luxury sedan. Elevate your daily driving experience with one of two popular models in the segment that embody these aspects: the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan or BMW 3 Series. This research article covers the similarities and differences of both models to help you select the right one for your needs.
We’ll be taking a look at the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC® Sedan, starting at $43,600 MSRP, and the 2022 BMW 330i xDrive, starting at $43,450.
Have questions for our team? Get in touch with Autohaus on Edens in Northbrook, IL, online or by phone at (847) 272-7900. We encourage you to search the new vehicle inventory for available models, and consider our current finance and lease options.
Iconic emblems decorate the front end of both the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and 2022 BMW 3 Series, but each model has unique design elements that make all the difference. The rear sloping roofline of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan gives it an almost coupe-like silhouette and aggressively elegant design, while the slim and sophisticated headlights of the 2022 BMW 3 Series offer an edgier aesthetic.
Other exterior design elements on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan include:
Ultimate comfort and luxury, as well as innovative technology, can be found throughout the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and BMW 3 Series. Seamlessly pair your smart phone with Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ and preset the power driver’s seat thanks to driver’s seat memory capability.
There are some features that you’ll prefer on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan like the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and 10.25-inch center infotainment display. In comparison, the BMW 3 Series has a 5.1-inch instrument cluster display and 8.8-inch infotainment display.
Additional technology and interior features on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan include:
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and BMW 3 Series offer similar performance ratings such as 255 horsepower that’s delivered by a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine. However, the finely-tuned 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan delivers impressive performance. Compared to the eight-speed transmission on the 2022 BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes-Benz nine-speed transmission offers seamless shifting and evened-out power across all wheels. All-wheel drive is also standard on both models, but you’ll notice the difference in traction and stability with 4MATIC® AWD on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan.
Additional performance features on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan include:
Based on the innovation of driver-assist features alone, it’s clear to see that Mercedes-Benz and BMW are brands dedicated to providing the safest driving experience possible. You’ll find a rear view camera, emergency services system, and comprehensive airbag system on both the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and BMW 3 Series.
Some additional unique safety features you’ll find on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan include: