2019 BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Which one should you buy?

The all-new, G20-generation BMW 3 Series was recently launched in the South African market and many supporters of the Bavarian brand's products would regard the new model a disappointment if it didn’t immediately become the new benchmark in the keenly-contested business class sedan segment of the new vehicle market. However, the larger, more refined and technologically advanced 3 Series still needs to overcome considerable opposition in the shape of the recently facelifted W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is widely regarded as a segment frontrunner. So, which one is the best? In a battle of sportily-clad turbodiesel-powered derivatives, Ciro De Siena compares the 2019 BMW 320d M Sport with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C220d AMG Line.
0:00 Intro
0:13 BMW 3 series vs Mercedes Benz C class
0:22 320d M Sport vs C220d AMG line
0:27 Engine similarities
0:53 Comparison in handling
2:40 Interior & features
6:21 Boot space comparison
7:11 Fuel & drive experience comparison
10:52 Conclusion
12:17 Outro

[@raymondmahlake9157]

For me the Mercedes as old as it is still looks better than the latest BMW and Audi, that goes for the interior as well, take c- class is simply gorgeous

[@mxolisisimelane6356]

Precise 👌

[@HiddenWen]

Both top dogs in their class. Which ever you choose, you'll love em. Me personally? I like the C-class.

[@remingtonprince2136]

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[@flynnblaine3955]

@Remington Prince instablaster :)

[@remingtonprince2136]

@Flynn Blaine thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out now. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@remingtonprince2136]

@Flynn Blaine It worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much you really help me out!

[@flynnblaine3955]

@Remington Prince You are welcome =)

[@ndalaalex4664]

Play at 1.25× speed. Thank me later.

[@haroldmagampa5186]

lols it works

[@sizakelecomfortmtshweni9530]

😂😂😂😂😂 Thanks

[@ian2183]

Holy fk Thanks

[@firstswagger4662]

Thanks bro

[@hlavutelo]

Lol 😂 flip

[@motheolebelo]

What a review that gives us car buyer a different view to these cars. Awesomely well detailed review and it was worth a wait.

[@user-lh8ql5zr5e]

Greetings from Greece mate! You are my best car reviewer! It's always a joy!

[@ForgetMeNatz]

That BMW, I just can't take my eyes off her! WoW!!

[@brba1476]

U gay

[@danI43541]

Really great review. But the Audi vs BMW va Mercedes question is really hard to answer. It’s a matter of personal preference

[@bhekigiven6477]

Thank you

[@4rzaluz]

Paying the same retail for a similar specd vehicle but with a front wheel drive assembly should be flagged as dubious business practices so.. No

[@paulbonifacio901]

I agree with you! It’s personal choice. All of them are good

[@subbiesandbimmers7754]

True

[@alcapone-tn7ol]

BMW the best car 👌 sport

[@MatthewKanniah]

Well done, great stuff team 🙌🏽 Excellent as always.

[@cmphiwemkhize1464]

merc will always be my favourite

[@iamkhanyasakawuli]

Thanks for this review! Ciro never disappoints.

[@azadr9231]

Your reviews are awesome + love your accent and mannerisms. Go South Africa!

[@georgejunior00]

Most informative reviews on YT👐🏽

[@tashingadekune9141]

Great review and video editing

[@ToreOnYouTube]

Very nice review! Subbed.

[@twong6531]

TQ, a very honest appraisal. Appreciate the review.

[@TheUkdan02]

I've just taken delivery of a new 320d Touring and it is a dream! Even with the M Sport suspension, yes it is a little on the firm side but the seats absorb a lot of the extra bumps. It's super quiet and refined around town and on the motorways and great fun when you hit the windy roads. Not bad for an estate - not bad at all! Coming from an Audi A4 saloon, which now feels and looks extremely dated.

[@mattoliver1393]

A review of impeccable quality Ciro. Looking forward to seeing your subscription count continue to climb

[@SM-1010]

C class is amazing

[@mrsyed2376]

This video deserved much much more likes ....... seriously

[@johnomahoney7755]

Very professional review

[@sandeepsreehari9188]

Thanks for the great comparison and video.

[@Carscoza]

Thanks for watching!

[@Chif_GT]

BMW is with no doubt the one i would go for. Benz looks ok, but 3 series makes it look much older.

[@turtleturbocharged1232]

That's because the 3 series is brand new while the C is 5 years old

[@kitkat8986]

@@turtleturbocharged1232 they are both brand new, both companies just choose to refresh their models differently. With BMW thoroughly redesigning their car while Mercedes throws in some new lights.

[@turtleturbocharged1232]

just a dude to be fair the 3 is designed from the ground up while the C is a mid-cycle refresh model. The previous 3 series was introduced in 2012 while the C was released back in 2014. Given the trends in their life cycles, in a few years’ time once the new C (W206 probably) enters the market they’ll pit it against this 3 series.

[@Indianinzhongguo]

Tshifhi GT yes the bmw is complete refresh and I am glad they changed the dashboard this time. Else all bmws have same dashboards be it 3 series or 5 or 7! Mercedes C class w205 came out in oct 2014 & started selling worldwide-from 2015. So this is mid refresher.. expect W206 in 2021 lookimg at the history of earlier versions. Life span of 7 years😊

[@Piquant-ro4ff]

BMW drivers buy BMW for performance and merc drivers buy Mercedes for comfort.personally I'm a BMW kind of guy my self

[@alexgrazie93]

What do you mean by performance?

[@makeindiagreatagain582]

I was a BMW guy until I drove a Benz. Real life, Benz is as powerful as BMW but the its much more comfy.

[@Oneness100]

Not if you had a AMG MB. Then the MB would kick the M Series.

[@maddcrz]

I think what pple need to realize is that the average customer will buy mid-spec versions of these cars. BMW is performance biased while MB is comfort biased. Now, when it comes to performance lines, M vs AMG. The AMG wins, personally.

[@lavayuki]

I'm not much of a racer driver or into sporty designs, so I'd be more for Mercedes as I like the luxury look

[@AL-pu7ux]

C300 is a great comfortable daily driver. interior is of good quality but due for a refresh. Still better than having to deal with the rough ride but better interior of the 3 series on a daily basis

[@mrmo751]

Yeah bmw has the best interior quality out of the germansssss.

[@attilab.2818]

@@mrmo751 Nope. Mercedes's built quality is much-much better.

[@Seemashe]

Mercks interior kills any BMW … well known fact BMW interior is cheaper and no where as classy as Mercks .. I have 2020 C300 … what a car … kills the BMW 3 series

[@hoseam4537]

@@SeemasheThere's no "K" in the Merc, it's Merc or Merck.

[@yashinlallchander]

I love watching your reviews. Your humour just adds to the review.

[@Malisti04]

His humour is effortless.

[@aslupandu]

Lies. He boring AF. Check out Matt Watson from car wow

[@Malisti04]

@@aslupandu I wasn't comparing him to anyone.... Matt is great too.

[@Themanfromglad]

love your review, from a Canadian perspective as well. Well done man and love your sense of humor. "love talking to the machine" lol omg, classic!

[@MavenProductions247]

Had a 3 series msport 3 cars ago and loved it but made a big mistake of changing to an A4 which I find as dull to drive as they are to look at so got a merc 350 v6 eclass this time and have have to say they are a much more premium car, more relaxed drive than a BMW. I still love my Bmws, feel like they are more fun to driver generally and even look better than their merc counterparts but Mercs just have that air of class about them. Even when I owned bmws (and I will again as I'm after m4 next) I always feel like they play second fiddle to Mercs..... Audis imo arent in the same league as any of then like for like.

[@miketresson6531]

mercedes is better than audi and bmw more reliable

[@CP-vg4vy]

Simnater Croc i can assure you i see more rs models then AMG but more M models than RS.

[@Seemashe]

Mercks much better looking than BMW .. more reliable too

[@Seemashe]

Mercks look much better especially today … WTH with the huge ugly BMW grills on the SUVs :) Merks more comfy, stylish, kills the interior and design of any BMW and more luxurious …

[@dog1ac]

What’s the colour option on the 3 series??

[@nyikoluckyhendrickz]

Love ur reviews brother men 👌

[@BbBb-hw5pq]

He is white south African . He is no brother of ours so stop calling these apartheid monsters brother .

[@nyikoluckyhendrickz]

No need for that brother, not necessary whatsoever

[@BbBb-hw5pq]

@@nyikoluckyhendrickz not necessary but for them its been necessary all their lives. Wake up dude .

[@nyikoluckyhendrickz]

Let bygones be ma brother

[@ghaliedcassiem3808]

Both cars r excellent in thr own way. As usual great video and love the info . Comes down to brand name. I’ll wait for t review of the facelift Audi A4

[@tomaszstanczak9326]

You mentioned that your drove the same car on the regular suspension, You siad "which is perfect". Which rims size and tires did you mean? thanks

[@jacybongo2589]

Please do a review of the 850i

[@btns4111]

I'm fine with the final review... Review fair nd u did THAT.. DANKIE SONN

[@Uk-ct3zm]

The tech used in BMW is way ahead of merc plus the interior is so fresh that it blows away that one in merc..

[@mavhunguvincent]

Merc is old car. Thats a New gen BMW

[@SDav21]

The new C Class comes out next year. Then we'll see.

[@mavhunguvincent]

@@SDav21 2021

[@SDav21]

@@mavhunguvincent They'll most likely reveal it next year. But I think they have the new A sedan and CLA to take up the slack till then. They really should've given the C their new MBUX. The GLC has it. This surely could've too.

[@daviskalvans4304]

​@@SDav21 W205 was released 3 years after the F30 3 series. I wouldn't be surprised if W206 doesn't come until 2022.

[@SAKHIWEMARKPIKE]

3 Series Yesterday 3 Series Today 3 Series forever

[@paddydowney6269]

For people who spend a lot of time in their car, that old merc infotainment tablet thing makes this choice easy. They’ve put the excellent new system in every single model, except the facelifted c class 🤷‍♂️

[@yeezus292]

Both cars are amazing I like older BMWs more than older mercedes but I like newer Mercedes more than newer BMWs at the end of the day its all about personal preference

[@lindokuhlexulu9215]

Its a Messi and Ronaldo comparison all over again...just in a set of wheels this time rather than soccer boots.

[@abzinho10karim25]

I've owned an e39 540i, e46 m3 and now an F90 ... loved each and everyone to bits. I drove my boss's E55 AMG that's almost 15 years old and I realised straight away why he never bought another car.... Merc is a merc that's what my dad always said.... still beg to differ....

[@Seemashe]

Who ever drives a Merk will never drive any other car

[@joebloggs4191]

The sweet spot between those two is the new 3 series with adaptive suspension and the run flats ditched!

[@keloduma]

It's an Audi

[@joebloggs4191]

@@keloduma Err No!

[@kgothatsophenye4092]

The BMW 3 series is more than impressive, i mean they've went all out to make it look different from it's predecessor unlike the Merc. Am really impressed by this review.

[@hwleitner2009]

Thanks for pointing out the rather flimsy merc Centre console. That stick on tablet is still an eyesore.

[@RossMKF1]

HERBERT leitner yes! Seems like no one ever mentions it while Audi and BMW interiors are solid compared to the C-Class

[@garythomlinson3683]

As a Mercedes and BMW owner of many years I can tell you it’s not about a wobbly bit of plastic in the interior it’s about the wobbly bits of plastic in BMW engines. Never had mechanical failures on Merc (plenty of niggles) but BMW has been a massive money pit mainly due to plastics used in engine/induction leaks/seals/water pumps you name it. Never BMW again.

[@JJ-J]

Why did you not compare or mention the digital dash for the C-class or even the fact that one can choose from 11 trims for the dashboard console?

[@shotta287]

BMW never fail to impress me with the 3 series. Consistently top its class and segment leader. The competition closes in but the 3 series always comes out on top.

[@sohailjeena6250]

Bare in mind 3series is 2018 shape that shape of the merc was released in 2013 the new c class w206 is yet to be released only then it would be a fair comparison

[@lennymful]

Great review as always Ciro. Nailed it! Ash should have also joined the party with the A4 TDI to offer that missing "middle" option. 😊

[@AlexiGreco]

Ps did you have the Merc in sport mode?? I don’t think so. Try it and you will be pleasantly surprised

[@AlexiGreco]

Being a ex South African and owning a 280 SE as well as a c 300 that were manufactured in Germany, learned many years ago that the Mercs from SA are very poorly put together.... They brought some in Aus and boy they were rattling. According to my dealership Merc is no longer imported here... Keep that I mind with your road tests. Much enjoy your programs!!! Thanks

[@AlexiGreco]

Ps Mercs from SA

[@jennajaylange1270]

Great video, I may be a little biased though.

[@smovanworld316]

Can you plz do a mercedes w201 190e vs bmw 325

[@imraanfredericks3592]

was this 3 series fitted with the adaptive suspension? if not could there be a review on a 3series with that please?

[@caesarsjassem6301]

Imraan Fredericks

[@aarvin1]

That 3 series looks really good when compared to the merc.

[@feryw8945]

masculine vs feminine

[@spitthefurious]

In a new car, Merc will kill it in the new car. E-Class interior is wayyyy better than the 5 series

[@brendonpillay5826]

@@spitthefurious you do realize that this particular c class just received a face lift? So it's not really an old car. Mercedes had a great opportunity to improve it, especially knowing that the 3 series would raise the bar.

[@brucekendall52]

Thks.

[@kagisomabuza965]

Curro I've just watched this for the 66th time, when will u compare the Beemer with the latest merc? I mean the new c class

[@mistreku]

Electric seats are an option because the people who buy BMW also care about vehicle weight and the electric motors for the seat really are an unnecessary weight. After all, how many times do you adjust your seat?

[@ElLebza]

Sadly every time the car is at the carwash.... Lol then it takes me about 2 days to get that perfect position, 5 days later its back to the carwash. It's a struggle.

[@mistreku]

@@ElLebza I think I'd rather "struggle" for a couple of seconds than add another 100 pounds to the car. It's a 3 series, not 7 series.

[@cosmingosav]

@@mistreku buy a civic and race mod it then lmao its a bimmer

[@SavedbyHim]

@@mistreku 100 lbs for seat adjusters?

[@mistreku]

@@SavedbyHim i exaggerated but electric seats on M2 are 50+ lbs per unit. A manual sport seat is around 15 lbs. It's still a major difference, at around 70lbs. And for nothing, imo.

[@sportplus1206]

Awesome! The rear end g20 bit look like lexus is, but overall bmw really did good job

[@joelu8507]

You're a good car reviewer

[@elinetshifhefhe191]

Saw what you did there @7:06 - Indicators for who? - BMW's don't have to tell you what the next move is, you already know.

[@andywhite6645]

BMW all the way I own a 2017 320D MSport

[@David-lj6dq]

Hey, great review. What's your view on the 2019 Volvo S60 as an alternate vehicle ? Thanks

[@rhulaniraymasingi7413]

Ciro De Siena, why didn't you use the cooler box test, on the boot space?

[@manny3332]

The new 3 series is a dream car man

[@florianhaffner3910]

The 3 serios looks so good

[@lesbray3504]

Or have exactly that bmw but change the tyres to non runflats, say Michelin PS4#, for greatly improved comfort, less tyre noise making its way into the cabin and better straight line stability and cornering characteristics.

[@esteban75lover23]

Love you in there reviews

[@Marcos-ed1qi]

Where are the back seats?

[@khumisoranks862]

😅its always interesting to watch your reviews...uhm but what if it had adaptive m suspension though

[@nyasha1988]

Music please!

[@Bxndgxngtru]

Benz anytime 🔥🔥

[@wonderfulworld3406]

@10:00 The 0-100 timings mentioned for the C300d is wrong . In fact it does the same in 5.9s and not 6.9s as claimed in the video . The Merc is definitely more powerful with 245hp

[@jnnic8138]

Yeah .. think he was thinking of the c220 times ..

[@roarbahamut9866]

It was the C220d not C300d ....

[@Seemashe]

Yes I have the C300 … its amazing power

[@yassirbelarabi1686]

By saying this people may think that the 3 is as stiff as a gt3 rs.. In reality is really so comfortable.. So in that one aspect that the C focuses on.. The 3 runs it very close

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

Maybe the real reason you think it's smooth is because you've never been in a REAL smooth car? Sort of like saying a Golf GTI feels fast when you've never been in an actual fast car.

[@AR-fw5bn]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior a gti in the proper hands is faster than most and will sit with supercars

[@yassirbelarabi1686]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior actually i didnt say S comfort.. Im saying that compared to a C class believe me its not far behind..

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

@@AR-fw5bn Dude, GTI is super slow. I've kept up with a GTI in an old 1.8L Corolla with no modifications. I've DESTROYED Golfs in a simple Mazda 6. Let's not even talk about super cars because a super like a GT2RS would make the GTI look like a bicycle standing still. Maybe it might have a chance against slow sports cars like the Toyota 86 or Mazda MX5. Maybe you are confusing the GTI with the Golf R?

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

@@yassirbelarabi1686 oh okay, I see what you are saying.

[@henrysithole3623]

Ciro does it again. Keep it up my guy. You are mzansi's best so far 😂😂😂👍👍👍

[@seanfenwick]

I’m amazed that South Africans really look straight past Lexus IS. Ok it won’t be in this mix as they have no diesel but the quality is epic.

[@lindaninxasana6273]

Hallo guys what's more reliable diesel or patrol sedans

[@a.3160]

Gasoline

[@lutendosiphugu4860]

I'm a proudly fan of cars.co.za and I would like to cast my opinion for improvement. I have subscribed to CARWOW and am impressed by their commitment to uploading car review videos every two days and I wish you could follow the same trend as I feel like a week is too long to review a single car. I do understand that the focus is on the new car introduced in the market and there are few cars that are new in the market, I wish you could review even the second and demo cars as the market of second hand is chowing on new and demo cars. Keep up the good work Ciro.

[@justmote]

The mention of Carwow just killed it mate! That's a heck of a reviewer. Mat Watson all the way!

[@oliversrensen8490]

I would defiently pick the BMW, i cant describe it, its just perfect, everything is amazing and it looks soooo good I'd take a 320d touring sport-line tho :P

[@thulaneking-priest6229]

I watch a lot of videos on car reviews and rarely ever comment on the content. But I must say this was a brilliant, balanced and objective review. I am personally not a fan of either brand but have a preference for Audis. With that being said, I think I will consider the three series in a normal suspension for a daily drive. With a an improved interior (still can't beat the audi), better fuel economy, quite and comfortable ride, it should make for an interesting drive. Thanks

[@Carscoza]

Thanks so much. We're really glad you enjoyed it and hope you found it helpful.

[@tighematthew]

335i n54 e92 mhd with a custom motive proformance tune 427 whp with a stage 3 xhp flash gear box tune... m3/m4 killer......🤘

[@jdfd4906]

Tighe Matthew and risk overheating during city traffic sprints stop n go.

[@tighematthew]

@@jdfd4906 well live in Australia it gets pretty hot over here i do track days and ive never had a problem with overheating you just have to run the right oil.. And its was a joke aswell but its a very quick car tho..

[@jdfd4906]

Tighe Matthew no issue on track days or open roads for that matter. But drive like a hooligan in city traffic the engine don’t get to breathe. Yup N54 can be modded to m3 4.0’s power but those days are Long gone haha. B58 can’t hold a candle.

[@tighematthew]

@@jdfd4906 well actually i live in city and i give it a hard time ive never had a overheating issues but every car is different...

[@jdfd4906]

Tighe Matthew cool

[@johnny02128]

His BMW tester is well equipped while the Merc is basically the base Model. So many options missing.

[@izuaff04]

BMW of course....tech is more impressive....take away all that shiny coated plastic...Merc interior is average... imo

[@goigosinc]

Gli Italiani hanno più cuore amico mio ahahaha... un saluto! Comunque apparte gli scherzi, ottima comparazione e bel video esaustivo, io ho BMW o ALFA ROMEO nel cuore....

[@acfitness3864]

which car is better for resale?

[@nemanjazivkovic3339]

Both.

[@JayMatabane]

Good review, Informative indeed. With the qualities these cars have, that's where the other German comes in. Give me 4 circles any day.

[@gerokopp4454]

Lekker review... and I know, I know, but in proper Beemer fashion no blinking when changing lanes at 7:06 :)

[@kevindaniels7235]

BMW has worked for years on a development. With great effort they succeeded. Poor people do not see the blinkers on a BMW. They are therefore the ones who will never be able to buy one and will continue to complain. In this way BMW can recognize potential customers quickly and easily.

[@philips6182]

the guy is complaing about the analog speedometer of old bmw but to alot of bmw enthusiasts thats what made it stand out and special. Porsche still does it on its new 911.

[@user-xw6qz7di5i]

I still think the C Class looks better, I am after having 5 of them, The Beemer is nice but not as beautiful as the Merc

[@musicboxtm76]

He’s a BMW fan. PROOF-6:58

[@MrBf3epicness]

How’s that proof he showed factually information

[@wezloka6674]

What about specing the mpack bmw with adjustable dampers. 😉

[@Manakuski]

Or just leave the msport chassis out and it is very comfy. Fourth day of driving the 320d xDrive G20 coming up!

[@MrJimmySegers]

I drove a standard C class, then changed job and they gave me a 3 series luxury edition, the interior of a bmw is so dated, Mercedes is so much more luxurious. I went back to a new C class. I'll never go back to BMW.

[@saadtheman1]

Jimmy Segers good! Fuck bmw

[@ramstein74]

Jimmy Segers realy?? Are u crazy??

[@brba1476]

Good man 💪🏼

[@RohitPrajapati-fs2yh]

Bmwx5 plss mke vdo

[@anjumaggarwal199]

6:12 Damn the merc driver controls are really crooked....

[@Benzer18]

The Merc... Anytime

[@Andrewzwyatt]

"iM iTaLiAn", just incase you didn't know

[@AlexiGreco]

Greetings, are these cars made in SA or America? If sow they are inferior in quality to the German built.

[@arsenkarapetyan1451]

9:48 key words

[@proudmashilwane4301]

BMW still has a few Miles to run in order to catch up with Mercedes Benz the only motor vehicle pioneers. for the mere fact that History Makes us History makes Mercedes ..let us give Benz a Bells

[@thandekazaca7883]

Bmw

[@torkel9273]

the c-class honestly is trash compared to bmw, the interior is just sad. They have nailed the E-class though.

[@McMelaHlog4i92]

Can they hire this guy at Top gear?

[@JD-yz5gg]

Mafape Babel agreed

[@clato74]

Say what? No no no

[@McMelaHlog4i92]

@@clato74 you just wanna keep him here

[@justmote]

Definitely not this guy! He lacks humour and character, so dull it's a bore watching his reviews.

[@McMelaHlog4i92]

@@justmote you are probably soccer fan who usually comes to car reviews for humour... Reviews aren't for comedy and if you got me 10 more who agree with your character judgement, I'll agree with you

[@merseycourier4948]

New generation Merc interiors are like cheap chintzy wine bars

[@ThomasWilliams89]

agreed, I may be in the minority but I hate Merc interiors. So ugly imo.

[@merseycourier4948]

@@ThomasWilliams89 I wanted them to be great but just so tacky and loud. The dual displays and steering wheels are cool but switchgear, consoles and panels are awful. Imagine 15 or 20k miles in it would rattle and creak like the Marie Celeste. I can't believe the amount of Renault branded componentry across the range, there's nothing wrong with Renault but I want 100% Merc unless they greatly reduce the price behind Audi and BMW.

[@ThomasWilliams89]

@@merseycourier4948 BMW has always been the better cars imo. I love pretty much all their current models.

[@merseycourier4948]

@@ThomasWilliams89 I'm Bmw biased right now too. Currently a G30 530e and previous 3 series F30's. although our Audi was hard to beat for trim level quality, but thumbs up for RWD beemers on the road. That new 3 series is pretty much in a league of its own again.

[@stephen7627]

Even though the c class model looks old, it looks better overall .... i like the bmw’s headlight though

[@odirilelegari4735]

At 10:53 you are correct the car in between then is an Audi.