BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The BMW 3 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a 6 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW 3 Series leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Subcompact Cars · 123 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 30 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 31 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 43 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 ✓ | $2,550 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 158 g/mi ✓ | 215 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel | Premium, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 105 | 123 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
3 Series vs C-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The BMW 3 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a 6 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW 3 Series runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,550 for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class — a difference of roughly $350 per year.
What engines do the 3 Series and C-Class offer?
BMW 3 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the BMW 3 Series as Compact Cars and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More 3 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-3-series-vs-mercedes-benz-c-class