2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked a sense of aquatic elegance, reminiscent of majestic marine life. Its design featured lidded headlights, a curved hood, wide lower air intakes, and an oversized grille, creating an appearance that was both dynamic and graceful. Despite its high pricing, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials and a focus on improved quality, making the premium price more palatable.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class embraced a design philosophy of "sensual purity," with fluid, curvier forms that were slightly edgier than its predecessors. The E-Class was available in various body styles, each exuding elegance and sophistication. The interior was a showcase of luxury, with rich materials, intricate details, and advanced technology. Despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament, the E-Class maintained its reserved and conservative exterior, while the interior was a lavish and inviting space.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was praised for its return to sporty handling, thanks to significant structural and suspension changes. The M340i trim featured a 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with BMW’s rear-biased xDrive AWD drivetrain, a rear M Sport differential, and M Sport brakes. The 8-speed automatic transmission, while not manual, was expertly calibrated, offering a launch-controlled acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The car's various driving modes and paddle shifters enhanced the driving experience, making it a joy for enthusiasts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced electrified inline-six powertrains, with the E450 model featuring a hybrid system that provided extra power and torque. The E450's 3.0-litre engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with additional overboost from the battery. The AMG E53 model added a second turbo, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG E63 S, with its 4.0-litre V8 engine, produced 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The E-Class offered a balance of performance and comfort, with advanced suspension systems and AWD providing stability and precision.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered supportive front seats that were both comfortable and accommodating for long drives. The interior featured high-quality leather, front-seat heaters, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, but once inside, the seats provided excellent support. The infotainment system was well-integrated, with a widescreen display and the best version of iDrive to date. Storage space was generous, with a trunk capacity of 479 litres, although its narrow design limited its practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for four adults. The interior featured redesigned infotainment controls and a user-friendly layout. The E-Class offered various body styles, each with different cargo capacities, such as the sedan's 540 litres and the wagon's 640 litres. The E-Class Coupe and Convertible provided comfortable rear seats, while the wagon included a stowable rear-facing jump seat. The E-Class All-Terrain model added versatility with increased ground clearance and body cladding.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with multiple ways to interact, including a knob and buttons on the centre console. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition system was highly effective, and the head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses. Gesture control, while optional, added a unique touch to the user experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced the MBUX system, which offered a touchscreen interface with improved organization and reduced complexity. The system included natural voice processing, online searches, and gesture control. The E-Class featured advanced driver-assist technologies, massaging seats, and seat kinetics. The instrument cluster offered customizable displays, allowing drivers to choose between traditional or modern graphics. The E-Class provided a comprehensive suite of connected services and optional driving assists.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered an Advanced Driver Assistance package with various safety features. While the systems were accurate, they sometimes lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist system was notably abrupt, reminding drivers to stay engaged. The 3 Series received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was one of the safest cars available, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side collision protection. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.