Comparative test. The Mercedes C-Class (2021) challenges the BMW 3 Series

Family sedans are abandoned in favor of SUVs, but with a premium emblem on the grille they still have a strong power of seduction. Synonymous with driving pleasure and technological refinement, they retain their followers, and the new Mercedes C-Class 2021 intends to remember their good memories. After the BMW 3 Series in 2019 and while waiting for the future Audi A4 in 2023, the C-Class is THE novelty of the moment in the cozy world of premium German wagons.

A true miniature copy of the new S-Class, the C-Class democratizes its advanced technology at the family level. It sports an ultra-modern MBUX interface with two huge screens, optional rear steering wheels and a new platform with 48 V hybridization. The BMW 3 Series remains more than ever in the sights of the Mercedes. Faced with this prerogative as rewarding as it is impressive, the Bavarian relies on its dynamic qualities and its 2.0 diesel 190 hp, also provided with a micro-hybridization of 48 V, to give the answer.

Mercedes C-Class price

The Mercedes C 220d AMG Line is billed at € 55,900. Its standard equipment includes a sports chassis, more precise steering and numerous driving aids (see table on next page). Then, you have to put your hand in your wallet to enjoy all the pleasures offered by the new C-Class: head-up display (€ 1,200), sunroof (€ 2,150) or Burmester 3D sound system (€ 1,250). Ditto for packs with interesting content such as Premium, invoiced for € 3,750 (see table). Subsequently, the C-Class will offer the Dynamic pack (€ 2,100) to enhance the qualities of its chassis thanks to the steered rear wheels and controlled damping.

BMW 3 Series Price

In order to counter the Mercedes C220d AMG, the BMW 320d is available in an M Sport version. Sold € 52,850, it also has more sporty damping and specific steering. Our Luxury trial version, which costs € 53,750, is built on a classic chassis and favors comfort equipment for € 2,150 less than its rival: hands-free access and starting, fully electric front seats and Hi-Fi speaker system. A little less focused on technology, however, it also offers the induction charger (€ 500) and numerous driving aids (see table). Controlled amortization is available at € 1,200.

To drive

While city centers are less and less fond of diesel, our two sedans are nevertheless readily adapting to it. They compensate for their generous dimensions by stepping short and rely on efficient reversing cameras to facilitate parking. Their light hybridization in 48 V considerably softens the operation of their diesel, to the point of making cuts and restarts of the engine almost imperceptible. The Mercedes benefits from an even more discreet system. On the other hand, its comfort at low speed generates more percussion. In addition, its sportier damping and optional 19-inch wheels do not help it against a BMW 3 Series whose classic chassis and 18-inch wheels, fitted here as a supplement, filter out irregularities a little better.

It is obviously on long journeys that these diesels do wonders. Efficient from 1,500 rpm, these 2.0 four-cylinders are as flexible as they are efficient. The 10 hp and the additional pinch of torque of the Mercedes block do not allow it to distance itself because of an automatic gearbox not very responsive on the most peaceful driving modes and an additional 140 kg on the scale. Conversely, it is noticed by its particularly audible rumblings during raises. Otherwise more discreet and less sound when called upon, the BMW engine is more enjoyable on a daily basis and goes perfectly with an automatic gearbox with more intuitive management.

The Mercedes block can be heard more on the highway, but it purrs at lower revs thanks to its nine-speed gearbox. In the most economical driving mode, the freewheel function of the C-Class, which cuts the engine as needed, intervenes more and at higher speeds than those of the Series 3. If the sobriety provided by micro-hybridization is especially in urban use, these diesels, whose motorway consumption is around 5.5 l / 100km, make their sedans formidable travelers to cross France non-stop… on condition of having added 180 € at BMW to increase the tank from 40 to 59 liters. With a capacity of 66 liters, that of the C-Class guarantees excellent autonomy.

Much more playful than premium SUVs, our two rivals exude very high driving qualities. In its AMG Line version, the C-Class uses its sports chassis to erase winding routes with talent. Its direction sharper than that of the BMW and its damping a little better held make it even more precise in the changes of course. Only the braking, lacking bite and suffering from an artificial feeling due to the regeneration, taints the general approval. Without being perfect in dynamic driving, that of the BMW appears a little more natural. In its classic finishes, the Bavarian favors smoothness of driving. Its softer damping may generate some rear axle rebounds on large deformations, but it offers a better compromise between comfort and dynamism, while providing the driving pleasure that one expects from a BMW.

To live

The atmosphere aboard the Mercedes sets the tone and takes its crew straight into the future. The fully customizable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the standard 11.9-inch vertical giant screen are eye-catching. The central tactile interface is quickly intuitive and easy to use, even if the temptation is sometimes great to take your eyes off the road. In this ultra-modern universe, the gearbox selector near the steering wheel makes it possible to purify the center console and free up more storage space.

Much more classic and bourgeois, the interior of the 3 Series is looking a little old in comparison. Its 12.3-inch digital dashboard offers less customization, and the 10.3-inch center screen doesn’t impress so much. The latter is controlled by touch or via the famous i-drive wheel. By grouping together certain functions such as air conditioning on its central console, it does not push the digital revolution as far as the Mercedes, but receives more careful materials and offers gesture control in the Innovation pack (see equipment).

Unlike their predecessors, our two sedans pay more attention to the quality of life on board. If the central space occupied by an imposing transmission tunnel remains almost unusable and firm, the rear side seats are welcoming in both cases. Those of the C-Class free up more legroom, but their hard and shorter seat makes them less pleasant than those of the 3-Series. The BMW also benefits from a higher cargo volume of 25 liters and a wider opening of the trunk, facilitating the installation of luggage.