BMW 3 Series M vs Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class
Verdict
The BMW 3 Series M is the sharper buy on numbers: it costs RM55,088 less, is 0.2 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, has a larger 480-litre boot and a 59-litre tank. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class hits back with 402 hp, a longer 2,865 mm wheelbase, seven airbags, a four-year warranty and just RM380 road tax. Both are CKD all-wheel-drive compact executive sedans with 500 Nm and a 250 km/h top speed, so the choice is about priorities, not a walkover.
Pick the BMW 3 Series M if you want the quicker 4.4-second sprint, bigger boot and lower purchase price.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class if you want more power, longer warranty cover and much lower annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series M RM388,800; Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class RM443,888
- Power and torque: BMW 387 hp/500 Nm; Mercedes-Benz 402 hp/500 Nm
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: BMW 4.4 s/250 km/h; Mercedes-Benz 4.6 s/250 km/h
- Engine and fuel: BMW 2,998 cc petrol; Mercedes-Benz 1,999 cc petrol hybrid/REV
- Boot and fuel tank: BMW 480 L/59 L; Mercedes-Benz 455 L/50 L
- Warranty and road tax: BMW 2 years/RM2,125; Mercedes-Benz 4 years/RM380
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 388,800✓ | RM 443,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 2,998 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Power | 387 hp | 402 hp✓ |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 s✓ | 4.6 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,714 mm | 4,751 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,820 mm |
| Height | 1,440 mm | 1,437 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Boot space | 480 L✓ | 455 L |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 50 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 4✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 2,125 | RM 380✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
3 Series M
- Quicker 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Larger 480-litre boot
- Lower RM388,800 price
- Only 6 airbags against 7
- Shorter 2-year warranty
- Higher RM2,125 annual road tax
AMG C-Class
- Higher 402 hp output
- Longer 4-year warranty
- Low RM380 annual road tax
- RM55,088 pricier to buy
- Slower 4.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Smaller 455-litre boot
3 Series M vs AMG C-Class FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series M or Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class better?
The BMW 3 Series M is better for pace and practicality, with 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h and 480 litres of boot space. The Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class suits buyers wanting 402 hp, seven airbags and a four-year warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class costs RM443,888, while the BMW 3 Series M costs RM388,800. That makes the Mercedes-Benz RM55,088 more expensive.
Which one is cheaper to tax in Malaysia?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class is far cheaper to tax at RM380 per year. The BMW 3 Series M costs RM2,125 per year, a difference of RM1,745 annually.