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Side by side

3 Series vs C-Class

Ex-showroom prices and the specifications that have been published. Rows that differ are marked.

3 Series
Price Range

₹62.7 lakh – ₹77.1 lakh

Mileage

16.13 km/l

Petrol / Diesel • 3 TrimsOpen model
VS
Mercedes-Benz

C-Class

C-Class
Price Range

₹61.2 lakh – ₹67 lakh

Mileage

16.9 km/l

Petrol / Diesel • 4 TrimsOpen model
The Bottom Line

The Wheelsio Verdict

Published pros for each vehicle. A written verdict appears only when one is stored.

Editorial Summary

“3 Series and C-Class target slightly different buyer priorities while matching each other closely in total value. Choose 3 Series for individual equipment highlights or C-Class for ownership discipline.”

Persona Matching

Who Should Buy Which Car?

Match your daily driving patterns, passenger habits, and ownership priorities to the right machine.

Target Profile

Choose 3 Series if:

  • Professionals and family buyers who prioritize plush rear seat comfort, a big boot, and smooth highway stability.
Target Profile

Choose C-Class if:

  • Professionals and family buyers who prioritize plush rear seat comfort, a big boot, and smooth highway stability.
Real-World Comparison

The Differences That Actually Matter

Stripping away marketing jargon: how these two vehicles perform across the 5 essential pillars of ownership.

Engine Performance

Segment Edge:Published figures only
3 Series

258 PS

400 Nm

C-Class

204 PS

300 Nm

Fuel Economy

Segment Edge:C-Class
3 Series

16.13 km/l

Shown only for km/l, km/kg, or km per charge

C-Class Standout

16.9 km/l

Shown only for km/l, km/kg, or km per charge

Long-Term Intelligence

Ownership figures on record

Only stored mileage, service, insurance, and depreciation figures are shown. Missing items are left out.

BMW

3 Series

Listed items₹3,71,978
Fuel over 60,000 km at ₹100 per litre (assumption)
₹3,71,978
Mercedes-Benz

C-Class

Listed items₹3,55,030
Fuel over 60,000 km at ₹100 per litre (assumption)
₹3,55,030
Trim-Level Shootout

Recommended Variants Compared

Compare matching price brackets and sweet-spot trim packages side-by-side.

Price Delta:₹3 lakh(C-Class lower)

320Ld M Sport

1998 cc turbo diesel • Automatic • 16.13 km/l

Ex-Showroom₹64.2 lakh

C 220d

1993 cc mild hybrid • Automatic • 16.9 km/l

Ex-Showroom₹61.2 lakh
Technical Benchmark

Full Specification Sheet

Side-by-side engineering data and equipment levels.

3 Series
C-Class
Engine TypeDiffers
3 Series:2.0L turbo petrol / 2.0L turbo diesel / 3.0L turbo petrol (M340i)
C-Class:1.5L turbo petrol / 2.0L turbo petrol / 2.0L diesel, 48V mild hybrid
Max PowerDiffers
3 Series:258 PS
C-Class:204 PS
Peak TorqueDiffers
3 Series:400 Nm
C-Class:300 Nm
Transmission Options
3 Series:Automatic
C-Class:Automatic
Fuel Options
3 Series:Petrol, Diesel
C-Class:Petrol, Diesel
Claimed MileageDiffers
3 Series:16.13 km/l
C-Class:16.9 km/l
3 Series
C-Class
SeatingDiffers
3 Series:—
C-Class:5 seats
Ground ClearanceDiffers
3 Series:140 mm
C-Class:130 mm
Boot SpaceDiffers
3 Series:480 Litres
C-Class:455 Litres
Body Type
3 Series:Sedan
C-Class:Sedan
3 Series
C-Class
Airbags
3 Series:2 Airbags Standard
C-Class:2 Airbags Standard
Buyer Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct, objective answers to the most common head-to-head questions asked by prospective buyers.

The 3 Series has a published mileage of 16.13 km/l. The C-Class has a published mileage of 16.9 km/l.