New BMW 3 Series & Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A4
BMW has reinvented its 3 Series with new underpinnings, fresh styling and a revised interior in a bid to reclaim leadership of the executive car class against the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Clas...
Our verdict
Mercedes has improved the C-Class markedly since its launch, and this facelift maintains that momentum. It now rides well, even in sporty AMG Line trim, and feels better put together, while its upgraded infotainment system is more user-friendly. It doesn’t quite do enough to beat its rivals here, but it isn’t far off.
That’s all the more impressive when you consider just how polished the Audi A4 is. Sure, it might look a little staid, but you won’t find a better-made car in this class, nor a better-riding one (if you add adaptive dampers). In fact, it remains consistently good across the board.
Not quite good enough, though, because it has been beaten by the fantastic new 3 Series. BMW has succeeded in its aim of making the best-handling car in the class, and while this is the standout feature, it’s also more practical than its rivals, has a better driving position and costs less to run as a company car.
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1st – BMW 3 Series
For Best driving position; lowest BIK tax; infotainment is intuitive; hugely rewarding to drive
Against Very firm ride; inconsistent brake pedal feel; many infotainment features require a yearly subscription
Recommended options Driving Assistance Pro (£1250), lumbar adjustment (£265)
Rated 5 out of 5
Read our full BMW 3 Series review
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2nd – Audi A4
For Beautifully made; easy-to-use infotainment; quietest, smoothest engine; surefooted handling
Against Firm ride on standard S line suspension; jerky automatic gearbox; imperfect driving position
Recommended options Technology Pack (£1395)
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Audi A4 review
Find a great Audi A4 deal
3rd – Mercedes-Benz C-Class
For Softest ride; cheapest to lease; easiest to drive smoothly; appealing interior
Against Noisiest at speed; tightest rear seats; poor reliability record; compromised driving position
Recommended options Premium equipment line (£2275)
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class review
Find a great Mercedes-Benz C-Class deal
Specifications: BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport auto
Engine size 4cyl, 1995cc, diesel
List price £38,200
Target Price £38,200
Power 187bhp @ 4000rpm
Torque 295lb ft @ 1750-2500pm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
0-60mph 7.2sec
Top speed 149mph
Gov't fuel economy 52.3mpg (WLTP)
CO2 emissions 112g/km
Specifications: Audi A4 40 TDI S line S tronic
Engine size 4cyl, 1968cc, diesel
List price £37,335
Target Price £34,419
Power 187bhp @ 3000-4200rpm
Torque 295lb ft @ 1750-3800rpm
Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
0-60mph 8.1sec
Top speed 150mph
Gov't fuel economy 50.4mpg (WLTP)
CO2 emissions 120g/km
Specifications: Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220d AMG Line
Engine size 4cyl, 1950cc, diesel
List price £39,160
Target Price £35,707
Power 191bhp @ 3800rpm
Torque 295lb ft @ 1600-2800rpm
Gearbox 9-spd automatic
0-60mph 7.1sec
Top speed 145mph
Gov't fuel economy 52.4mpg (WLTP)
Best executive cars 2024 – tested, rated and those to avoid
Great executive cars are comfortable, classy and well equipped, yet also cheap to run. Here we name the best 10 executive cars on sale in the UK – plus one we recommend avoiding
