Yes, consumers’ continuing fascination with crossovers shows little sign of abating. But there’s still a reasonably healthy market for a good sport sedan. Certainly, the main European automakers thing so, as to the Asian manufacturers. Detroit not so much, although Cadillac is still putting up a fight. And what’s not to like? Looks, power, handling and technology, even at the lower end of the segment, the $50K compact-sized models. This subset is dominated by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, specifically and respectively the 3 Series and the C-Class.
BMW contends that its 3 Series sedan is the yardstick of sporty driving pleasure by which all other contenders in the premium compact segment are measured. With the car’s star-studded history spanning more than 45 years, only the most cynical would consider this corporate BS. Since the debut of the original in 1975, some 16 million 3 Series have been sold, more than 1.1 million customers for the current generation that was introduced in 2019.
Likewise, Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class is no neophyte, it’s been plying the roads for 30 years, going back to the 190, its progenitor. Maybe not with the same sporting pedigree as the 3 Series, Mercedes can take comfort in the fact the C-Class was its best-selling model over the last decade, more than 2.5 million of the fourth-generation sedan and wagon sold since debuting back in 2014.
2022 Mercedes C-Class Photo by Mercedes-Benz
2022 Mercedes C-Class Photo by Mercedes-Benz
2022 Mercedes C-Class Photo by Mercedes-Benz
2022 Mercedes C-Class Photo by Mercedes-Benz
2022 Mercedes C-Class Photo by Mercedes-Benz
2022 Mercedes C-Class Photo by Mercedes-Benz
2022 Mercedes C-Class Photo by Mercedes-Benz
Models
This summer will see new generations of both models. The eighth-generation 3 Series will debut with no less than four different versions — 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 330e and 330e xDrive, not to mention M Sport variants. Mercedes is taking a more staggered approach with its fifth-generation sedan, starting with the 2022 C 300 4Matic, the higher-performance C 43 following as a 2023 model. AMG versions are also in the works, although the company is keeping mum for now. For this technical comparison, we’ll concentrate on the base models — the $52,750 330i xDrive and the $56,700 C 300 4Matic.
Compare the specs of these luxury sedans: BMW 330i xDrive vs Mercedes-Benz C 300 4Matic
Dimensions
As direct competitors, it’s reasonable to assume the 3 Series and the C-Class are similarly sized. And they are. Let’s look at the key dimensions (BMW/Mercedes): Length 4,713 mm/4,751; width 1,827 mm/1,820; height 1,445 mm/1,438; wheelbase 2,851 mm/2,865. Only when it comes to weight is there anything approaching a significant difference, the C 300 4Matic tipping the scales at 1,795 kilograms, 125 kg heavier than the 330i xDrive.
Styling
Thank the gods BMW’s designers didn’t saddle the new 3 Series with the oversized kidney grilles afflicting some of its model range, dubbed “beaver teeth” on social media. The 2023 model is quite attractive albeit not a huge styling stretch from the 2022 model. The characteristic grille and twin headlight accents have been redesigned, as well as the front and rear aprons. BMW notes the car’s “stylistic energy” can be “intensified further” with the optional M Sport package on the 330i xDrive, 330e and 330e xDrive models. More specifically, the standard full-LED headlights are now slimmer, with daytime driving lights arranged in an inverted L-shape. The outer daytime driving light elements also serve as turn indicators. Air intakes in high-gloss black positioned below the kidney grille direct cool air to the front brakes. The standard specification for all 3 Series models includes 18-inch light-alloy wheels in brand-new designs. The M Sport Package for the new 330i xDrive includes chrome accents on the kidney grille’s double bars. The M Sport-specific rear apron has been revised and features vertical reflectors at the outer edges and a large diffuser element in the centre. The M Sport package also features M Sport suspension and variable sport steering for the 330i xDrive, and 19-inch light-alloy wheels with all-season or mixed performance tires.
The new C-Class’s redesign is more aggressive than the Series’, taking a slipperier, more organic shape, combining short front and rear overhangs, a long wheelbase, and a sporty hood with power domes to give the car a sense of motion, even when stopped. Known as a “cab-backward” design, the windshield and passenger cell have been moved to the rear. When viewed from the side, the sculptured surfaces create unique light effects. The C-Class’s wide track, with flush 18- or 19-inch wheels, further underscores the design. The hallmark radiator grille features a central star. With the Sport Package, the front is graced by a diamond grille paired with a star designed in chrome. For the very first time, the taillights of the sedan feature a two-piece design, with the light functions divided between the side wall and trunk lid lights.
2023 BMW 3 Series Photo by BMW
2023 BMW 3 Series Photo by BMW
2023 BMW 3 Series Photo by BMW
2023 BMW 3 Series Photo by BMW
2023 BMW 3 Series Photo by BMW
2023 BMW 3 Series Photo by BMW
2023 BMW 3 Series Photo by BMW
Powertrain
It’s a battle between the “turbo twos” when it comes to the base 330i xDrive and the C 300 4Matic. In BMW’s corner, its 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo four pushes out 245 horsepower a 4,500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,600 rpm. Though the engine is designed to strike a balance between “driving pleasure and fuel economy,” BMW claims that when push comes to shove, the 330i sedan will hit 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. All new 3 Series models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, now controlled by a toggle lever on the centre console. Steering column-mounted shift paddles are standard.
In the Mercedes corner, the C 300 benefits from a newly developed, turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder aided by a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system — the first “classic” model series, notes the company, to undergo a systematic electrification of its powertrains. The result is a solid 255 hp at 5,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm, which does make the 2022 model more powerful than its predecessor. The addition of ISG provides an additional 20 hp and 147 lb-ft more torque when required, so the sedan scoots when foot hits pedal — zero to 100 km/h in six seconds. The 9G-Tronic transmission was developed further for adapting the ISG and is installed in all C-Class models.
NRCan rates the C 300 at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 7.1 L/100 km on the highway. The fuel economy rating for the 330i is slightly better — 9.5 L/100 city, 6.9 L/100 highway.
2023 BMW 3 Series Photo by BMW
Cabin
The new BMW 3 Series’ cabin has been treated to what the company says is a “comprehensive update,” embodied by a large, curved display. The cockpit sees the number of buttons and controls significantly reduced in favour of touch and voice controls. The curved display boasts frameless glass surfaces angled slightly toward the driver. A 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display merge into a single, fully digital, high-resolution unit. Standard features include three-zone automatic climate control, BMW Live Cockpit Plus including BMW Maps navigation system, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror, and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear. The three-zone automatic climate control can be adjusted using voice or touch control on the control display. The controls for setting the temperature on the driver’s and front passenger’s side are always displayed.
Mercedes says the new C-Class adopts many of its interior highlights from the new S-Class, adding “a sporty yet refined touch” to the sedan. The dashboard is divided into an upper and a lower section, which host round, aircraft engine nacelle-like air vents. Both the dashboard and 11.9-inch central display are tilted toward the driver by six degrees. The driver area features a free-standing, high-resolution LCD screen, setting the display apart from traditional cockpits that feature analogue, classic round dials. Customers have a choice between a 10.25-inch or a 12.3-inch version of the LCD screen. Vehicle functions can be controlled via the touchscreen.
Furthermore, the look of the screens can be individualized with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). In Sporty, the colour red is dominant, and the central tachometer has a dynamic design.
The voice assistant “Hey Mercedes” becomes more interactive and capable of learning by activating online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword “Hey Mercedes.” These include taking a telephone call.
2022 Mercedes C-Class Photo by Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
As should be expected, the final verdict will have to wait until both these fine sport sedans can be road tested by the experts at Driving.ca, This will be coming in the next few months. That said, it would be difficult to find two more similar vehicles, virtually identical in exterior dimensions and close enough in powertrains, fuel economy, pricing and, most obviously, intent. And though both the 330i xDrive and C 300 4Matic are base models, their lists of features are extensive.
All things considered, though, there are a few reasons to give the nod to the 3 Series over its primary rival — a greater choice of specific trims (including PHEV versions), a lower starting MSRP, and slightly better fuel economy (hey, these days every little bit helps).
Keyword: Tale of the Tape: 2023 BMW 330i xDrive vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4Matic