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...
Infotainment systems
Audi A4
Audi’s MMI is still one of the easiest systems to use, with a dial controller and well-designed menus, although the screen is small by today’s standards (7.0in or 8.3in, as shown, if you go for the £1395 Technology Pack). It still has plenty of features, though, including smartphone mirroring and connected online services. The Comfort and Sound Pack (£1295) adds a punchy 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen hi-fi.
The 3 Series gets BMW’s very latest iDrive system, with revised graphics and menus and a 10.3in screen of brilliant resolution. It’s easiest to use because it’s as responsive as the A4’s but can be controlled by touch as well as by a rotary dial, or by using the surprisingly effective voice control. However, it’s a shame that Apple CarPlay, like most of the features, requires a subscription and Android Auto isn’t available.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The C-Class’s revised system includes an impressively high-definition 10.3in display and, in general, thoughtfully arranged menus. It’s less responsive than its rivals’, though, and the rotary controller with a writing pad (part of the £2275 Premium equipment line, which also brings online connectivity and an upgraded sat-nav) isn’t quite as user-friendly. Other upgrades include a 13-speaker Burmester stereo.
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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