Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 2 Series
The BMW 2 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW 2 Series leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Subcompact Cars · 123 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | BMW 2 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg | 31 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 27 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg | 39 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,550 | $2,450 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 215 g/mi ✓ | 279 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity | Premium |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 123 | 93 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
C-Class vs 2 Series: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the BMW 2 Series?
The BMW 2 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 31 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW 2 Series runs about $2,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,550 for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class — a difference of roughly $100 per year.
What engines do the C-Class and 2 Series offer?
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI. BMW 2 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI & PFI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 2 Series as Subcompact Cars, so they compete directly.
More C-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-c-class-vs-bmw-2-series