2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup offered a range of models including the 330i, 330e, M340i, and the high-performance M3. Prices for these models ranged from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version featured a different powertrain, from the turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the 330i and 330e, the latter benefiting from plug-in hybrid technology, to the turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid support in the M340i, and culminating in the powerful BMW M3.

This review focused on the M340i, which we tested with Barbera Red special-order paint, a $4,500 upgrade, paired with Cognac SensaTec simulated leather upholstery. Options on our test car included various assistance and performance packages, and an Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the total price to $67,390. The M340i also featured a distinctive M Performance exterior design with unique grille and bumper designs, Shadowline exterior trim, and blue brake calipers. The 19-inch M double-spoke wheels in Cerium Grey were striking, enhancing the car’s dynamic stance. Inside, the high-quality materials included perforated SensaTec upholstery and a stylish Cognac color theme.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class took design cues from other Mercedes models, resulting in a cohesive and stylish sedan. The C-Class featured a drooping front end similar to the CLA-Class, and a squared-off rear end with thin taillights reminiscent of the S-Class. The grille prominently displayed a large Mercedes emblem surrounded by smaller versions, making it instantly recognizable. The cab-rearward proportions highlighted its rear-wheel-drive platform, setting it apart from the front-wheel-drive CLA-Class and A-Class. LED lights were standard, with the optional Digital Light system providing advanced functionalities like lane marking and pedestrian illumination.

Inside, the C-Class aimed to evoke the luxury of the S-Class, with a freestanding touchscreen and instrument cluster, elegant air vents, and sophisticated speaker grilles for the Burmester audio system. The ambient lighting offered 64 color options, adding to the premium feel. Standard MBTex synthetic leather covered the seats, with Nappa leather available on higher trims. Overall, the C-Class interior delivered a special and luxurious environment that justified its position as a luxury sedan.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a robust turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, augmented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It generated 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring a Sport mode and paddle shifters, the M340i was capable of a swift 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Despite aggressive driving, the M340i achieved an impressive 24.9 mpg on test routes, just shy of its EPA rating of 26 mpg combined.

The M340i also featured M Sport ventilated-disc brakes, variable sport steering, and a standard M Sport suspension. Our test vehicle came with the optional Adaptive M Suspension, enhancing its already excellent handling dynamics. The car’s precise and responsive steering bolstered confidence during spirited driving, making it adept at handling twisty mountain roads.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, it could achieve a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The C300 felt powerful but exhibited some turbo lag, with occasional delays in acceleration and less refined transmission shifts.

Mercedes also announced the AMG C43, featuring a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 402 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, and a higher top speed. Despite some drivetrain quirks, the C300 excelled in ride quality, muting road imperfections effectively. While it performed well on twisty roads, the C-Class required more deliberate efforts compared to the nimble M340i.

As a traditional four-door sedan, the BMW 3 Series managed to balance sporty performance with practicality. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support, and the driving position was ideal for both comfort and control. The steering wheel’s thick rim provided excellent grip. The rear seats offered adequate legroom for four tall passengers, although the center position was less practical due to outboard bolstering. Interior storage included a decent trunk with 17 cubic feet of space, complemented by a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added versatility. Despite the lack of a sports wagon variant in the U.S., the sedan’s cargo capacity was satisfactory for most needs.

The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, only available in this body style, was larger than its predecessor, offering improved interior space. Headroom increased by 0.1 inch in the front and 0.4 inch in the rear, while rear-seat legroom grew by 0.8 inch. This expansion allowed the C-Class to lead its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, although front legroom was slightly limited. The seats were comfortable with sufficient bolstering, and the car's trunk provided 17.9 cubic feet of space, the most in its class. The wide trunk opening facilitated easy loading and unloading, and a 40/20/40-split folding rear bench added flexibility, though Mercedes did not specify the increased cargo capacity with seats down.

BMW equipped the 2022 3 Series with the Live Cockpit Professional, which included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. While the system wasn’t as visually impressive as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus, it was functional and user-friendly, thanks to the iDrive 7.0 system. Control options ranged from a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, to voice recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with satellite radio, were standard. The Intelligent Personal Assistant proved useful, effectively responding to various commands. However, some notable omissions included the previously available Harman Kardon audio system and ventilated front seats. The Driving Assistance Professional package added advanced safety features and parking aids, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured a high-tech infotainment setup similar to the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver. Even the base model included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The mid-tier trim added a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, while the top-tier included a head-up display and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX system was intuitive, with a Zero Layer setup allowing quick access to various functions without navigating through menus. The voice recognition system was highly effective, and the steering wheel touch controls were logically arranged. The optional augmented-reality navigation provided clear guidance, enhancing the overall driving experience.

For the 2022 BMW 3 Series, standard safety features included Active Guard, which offered forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring were available in the Driving Assistance package, and the Driving Assistance Professional package added further advanced safety functions, including lane-keeping and centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, Pre-Safe with seatbelt and window adjustments, and Pre-Safe Sound to protect hearing. Optional safety features included lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, and adaptive cruise control with different levels of stop-and-go functionality. The C-Class also offered Car-to-X communication, providing alerts for potential hazards based on real-time data from networked vehicles. Crash-test ratings were pending at the time of publication, but the previous generation held high safety ratings from the IIHS.