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

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a range of models, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with prices starting at $44,990 and reaching up to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured a distinct powertrain, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter incorporating plug-in hybrid technology for an estimated 32 kilometres of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 and M3 Competition models catered to enthusiasts. The M340i xDrive, tested in Barbera Red paint and Cognac SensaTec upholstery, included options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to just under $80,000. The M340i's exterior featured M Performance design elements, including exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided an upscale feel, with the Cognac colour offering a striking contrast to the dark cabin. The 3 Series emphasized quality materials and a design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class incorporated design elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a cohesive and stylish sedan recognizable as a Mercedes from any angle. The cab-rearward proportions, long hood, and short rear deck emphasized its RWD platform, distinguishing it from the FWD CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to the Mercedes Digital Light system, which adjusted to curves and projected warning icons. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system. The ambient lighting with 64 colours added to the luxury feel, although the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was typical for the price range. The C-Class interior combined these elements to create a special atmosphere, making a case for luxury over mainstream brands.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The engine delivered 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the power flowed to the rear wheels through an M Sport differential, with xDrive AWD standard in Canada. The M340i included M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring the optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds, and the car's performance was impressive, with precise handling and a flawless transmission. The M340i excelled in driving dynamics, offering a thrilling experience and setting a standard for sports sedans.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The C300 achieved 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. A sportier AMG C43 version offered 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. The C300 4Matic test car felt powerful but experienced turbo lag and rough shifts. The ride quality was luxurious, with muted impacts, although some juddering and vibration were noted. The C300 provided good body control and precise steering on twisty roads, but required a deliberate approach to cornering, lacking the finesse of top sports sedans.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series, despite its traditional four-door sedan design, offered driving satisfaction without sacrificing passenger comfort and practicality. The M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. Rear seat passengers had adequate legroom, making the 3 Series suitable for four tall individuals. The back seat provided good thigh support, though the centre position was less practical. Standard features included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, with heated rear seats available. The 481-litre trunk offered ample cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, available only as a sedan, was longer and wider than its predecessor, offering more interior space. Headroom increased by 2.5 mm in front and 10 mm in back, with rear-seat legroom up by 20 mm. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was less competitive. The seats were comfortable with adequate bolstering, and forward visibility was excellent, though thick rear pillars created blind spots. The trunk offered 455 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for longer items.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the lack of traditional analog gauges was noted, the infotainment package was effective. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a gesture control system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system available. The Connected Package Pro included BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various commands. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an infotainment setup inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Standard features included keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, head-up display, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, and augmented-reality navigation system available. The MBUX infotainment system, with its "Zero Layer" setup, allowed easy access to functions, and the voice recognition system was highly effective. The optional augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance with overlaid arrows on a front-camera feed.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, a package with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant offered semi-autonomous driving, and the Emergency Stop Assistant could detect an unresponsive driver. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with optional adaptive LED headlights required for the IIHS accolade.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with the NHTSA yet to test it. Standard safety features included automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention monitor, park assist, Pre-Safe, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control. Car-to-X communication allowed information sharing between vehicles, providing warnings for hazards like potholes.