BMW 3 Series M vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Verdict
The BMW 3 Series M is the driver's pick on paper: RM388,800 buys 387 hp, 500 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class costs RM292,888 and is calmer by the numbers, with 201 hp, 300 Nm and 7.3 seconds, but its RM90 annual road tax is tiny beside the BMW's RM2,125. The Mercedes is longer, wider and has the longer wheelbase, while the BMW claws back practicality with a 480-litre boot versus 455 litres.
Pick the BMW 3 Series M if you want the much quicker all-wheel-drive compact executive sedan and can live with the higher purchase price and road tax.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if you want the lower-cost, roomier-bodied petrol hybrid sedan and do not need BMW M-level acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series M RM388,800; Mercedes-Benz C-Class RM292,888
- Output: BMW 3 Series M 387 hp and 500 Nm; Mercedes-Benz C-Class 201 hp and 300 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 3 Series M 4.4 s; Mercedes-Benz C-Class 7.3 s
- Driven wheels: BMW 3 Series M all-wheel drive; Mercedes-Benz C-Class rear-wheel drive
- Size: BMW 3 Series M 4,714 mm long and 2,851 mm wheelbase; Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4,751 mm long and 2,865 mm wheelbase
- Road tax: BMW 3 Series M RM2,125 a year; Mercedes-Benz C-Class RM90 a year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 388,800 | RM 292,888✓ |
| 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 | 1,496 cc |
| Power | 387 hp✓ | 201 hp |
| Torque | 500 Nm✓ | 300 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 s✓ | 7.3 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h✓ | 246 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 1.0 kWh |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,714 mm | 4,751 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 2,033 mm |
| Height | 1,440 mm | 1,438 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 | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 2,125 | RM 90✓ |
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
- Far stronger 387 hp and 500 Nm output
- Quicker 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Larger 480-litre boot
- Much higher RM388,800 price
- RM2,125 annual road tax
- Shorter 2,851 mm wheelbase
C-Class
- Lower RM292,888 price
- RM90 annual road tax
- Longer 2,865 mm wheelbase
- Much slower 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- Smaller 455-litre boot
- Lower 201 hp and 300 Nm output
3 Series M vs C-Class FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series M or Mercedes-Benz C-Class better?
The BMW 3 Series M is better for performance, with 387 hp, all-wheel drive and 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is better for lower running cost and space, with RM90 road tax and a longer wheelbase.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series M costs RM95,912 more than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That extra money mainly buys a much larger 2,998 cc engine, 387 hp, 500 Nm, all-wheel drive and far quicker acceleration.
Which one is more practical?
It is close. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is longer and has a longer 2,865 mm wheelbase, but the BMW 3 Series M has the larger boot at 480 litres versus 455 litres.