2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

In terms of design, the 2020 BMW 3 Series recalled the powerful presence of the humpback whales. Its smooth, lidded headlights, prominent curved hood, and wide lower air intakes gave it an aquatic appearance with an oversized grille. The M340i trim stood out with its distinctive off-white Ivory leather seating, contrasting sharply with the otherwise black cabin and the striking Tanzanite Blue exterior. However, the high price tag might deter potential buyers. The interior quality carried a sense of purpose, indicative of BMW's commitment to upping its luxury game.

By contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, new for 2017, reverted to a smoother, more rounded body reminiscent of older generations. Its resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class made it recognizable and appealing. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet forms, the E-Class catered to conservative tastes with options like the hood ornament and a chrome grille available on the sedan. The E-Class' LED lighting and the flowing form particularly stood out in the cabriolet, showing off a delightful interior when the top was down. Mercedes championed luxury with multi-tone leathers and sweeping aluminum and polished wood accents.

Previous iterations of the 3 Series were criticized for steering dynamics, but BMW had significantly improved the 2020 model. The M340i trim came equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produced 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The structural and suspension changes, coupled with the variable sport steering, delivered a remarkable driving experience. There was, however, the unavoidable standard 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite the longing for manual gearboxes among enthusiasts, the proficient automatic, including launch control, made up for it—hitting 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

Conversely, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the E350, generating 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Efforts to improve the engine's response were noticeable, especially with the 9-speed automatic transmission. However, the E350’s performance felt underwhelming at mid-range speeds, particularly for passing maneuvers. The E450, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offered better driving satisfaction. AMG models took that up a notch with the E53’s 429-horsepower V6 and the lethal E63 S’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 603 horsepower.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series housed supportive front seats that were both accommodating and comfortable. It offered high-quality leather, front-seat heaters, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, but once inside, passengers found remarkable comfort. BMW’s cryptic controls were a slight drawback, but the infotainment system, iDrive, had improved significantly with an easy-to-use touchscreen. Storage was generous by BMW standards, and the trunk had a 17 cubic feet capacity, though it was deep yet narrow.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class flourished in interior comfort and space. Seats were spacious and supported by multi-contour adjustments that anticipated your movements. Storage solutions, like the hidden cupholders and wireless charging pad, were well thought out. However, the COMAND infotainment system was complex and distracting to use while driving. The wagon variant offered rear-facing jump seats for additional flexibility, catering to family needs. The coupe boasted usability with window controls extending to the back seat.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series removed the long-standing stigma of the convoluted iDrive system. The latest model was equipped with a user-friendly touchscreen, natural voice recognition, and optional gesture control. This system offered multiple ways to interact with the car’s features effectively. The “Hey, BMW” voice assistant was a standout, allowing for intuitive navigation, climate control, and more.

Conversely, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was packed with advanced technology once the learning curve was mastered. Its semi-automated driving system had features like obstacle avoidance, lane changes, and adaptive speed adjustments. Features like multi-contour seats, a Burmester stereo system, and the V2X communication system added to the luxury experience. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, catered to niche preferences with mood-enhancing ambiance.

To maximize safety, the 2020 BMW 3 Series required two optional Driving Assistance packages. However, it was suggested to skip them due to their sometimes harsh functionality. The car scored a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS with its adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received high safety ratings, including a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Features like Pre-Safe Sound and side-impact seat bolsters offered unique protections. Its standard safety equipment included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with 14 additional features available in optional packages.