[Visual Comparo] BMW G20 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz W206 C-Class

advantage20 · 03-01-2021, 12:00 PM

Sportstick · 03-01-2021, 12:12 PM

I knew I had seen that face before...

DawnRacer · 03-01-2021, 12:15 PM

That Mercedes looks like an Audi from behind

inire · 03-01-2021, 01:00 PM

I like the rear view of the Merc but the front headlights could be more agressive IMO. Also, this glass-fiber interior trim looks like it would be made for a rain coat. The steering wheel is a bit strange as well.
Actually I appreciate BMW’s solution regarding integrating the dash and the center display - but I would feel blessed if they could make the digital dash more configurable.

I dont understand why they would integrate a long tabletish display in the LCI.

TiMSport · 03-01-2021, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by advantage20

Well done. I kind of like the MB on the outside but with that newer gen C class interior.... WTF is up with that steering wheel and iPad setup?!? Ugly IMO. All the carbon fiber or faux CF in the world can't hide that monstrosity.

tturedraider · 03-01-2021, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I knew I had seen that face before...

This was my EXACT thought.

srbs73 · 03-01-2021, 01:50 PM

The front of the Mercedes looks like its one of those cheap Chinese copies! Are we sure it’s not a Shuanghuan?

6oclockshadow · 03-01-2021, 08:37 PM

Is that a rendering of the mb??

dr_frankfurter · 03-01-2021, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6oclockshadow

Is that a rendering of the mb??

Those are official, production car photos.

dr_frankfurter · 03-01-2021, 09:36 PM

I was genuinely rooting for this C class to be a huge step forward. The exterior looks bloated and heavy, rear end is virtually identical to the A class. Front 3/4 is its best angle IMO, and the interior's focus on touch screen/MBUX seems it will be frustrating. I'm sure it will drive well and be supremely comfortable in its segment, but I'm so glad the 3 looks as good as it does, especially side by side. The only advantage of the Benz in my eyes is a better digital dash setup and more vibrant ambient lighting. Let's see if the next Giulia will be better competition for the G20.

TropikThunder · 03-01-2021, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr_frankfurter

I was genuinely rooting for this C class to be a huge step forward. The exterior looks bloated and heavy, rear end is virtually identical to the A class. Front 3/4 is its best angle IMO, and the interior's focus on touch screen/MBUX seems it will be frustrating. I'm sure it will drive well and be supremely comfortable in its segment, but I'm so glad the 3 looks as good as it does, especially side by side. The only advantage of the Benz in my eyes is a better digital dash setup and more vibrant ambient lighting. Let's see if the next Giulia will be better competition for the G20.

Yeah when I saw the side view I thought wait, I thought it was the A series that had the stumpy rear end. Did they shorten the body or just kinda shove things farther back.

dr_frankfurter · 03-01-2021, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TropikThunder

Yeah when I saw the side view I thought wait, I thought it was the A series that had the stumpy rear end. Did they shorten the body or just kinda shove things farther back.

My guess is a little of both. The roof line is a lot less bulbous at the rear compared to the current gen, and more "coupe-like". Looks like the entire rear of the car was stretched to reduce the actual trunk lid. Probably to add room for rear passengers, and to allow the rear wheel steering to be implemented. Either way, I still think the CLA is the best looking Benz next to the new S.

stein_325i · 03-01-2021, 10:08 PM

Tough pick, some angles work better for the 3, others for the C, I have a feeling the C-Class will look super elegant in black with chrome, like a mini W223 S-Class. MB's always look better in their luxury spec and BMW's in their sporty spec.

Giulia still reigns king though when it comes to the best looking car in the segment.

As controversial as the interior is, I think it will help sales, new S-Class which has a similar design on the inside already has record pre-orders.

TiMSport · 03-01-2021, 11:12 PM

THIS is so much better looking. It was such a close call but I went with the Bimmer. Hope I don't regret it.

dr_frankfurter · 03-01-2021, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

THIS is so much better looking. It was such a close call but I went with the Bimmer. Hope I don't regret it.

CLA is easily the best looker under 100k. I was cross shopping a CLA250/35 against the 330i. CLA is not a bad car at all, but it felt a little sterile and disconnected. The CLA45 was a blast but the ones that were available were optioned out to ridiculous stickers, some well over 75k. I think you made the right choice as well.

TiMSport · 03-01-2021, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr_frankfurter

CLA is easily the best looker under 100k. I was cross shopping a CLA250/35 against the 330i. CLA is not a bad car at all, but it felt a little sterile and disconnected. The CLA45 was a blast but the ones that were available were optioned out to ridiculous stickers, some well over 75k. I think you made the right choice as well.

Yeah I was about to special order one for a sticker of around $65k but it was going to be out of state which is a bit of a pain because no one gives good discounts around my area. It would have also featured less options compared to the M340i xDrive and numbers are terrible for AMG cars. Ended up with the Bimmer having a higher MSRP and much bigger discount. Free maintenance was icing on the cake. Still can't believe MB doesn't provide s*** for maintenance.

dr_frankfurter · 03-01-2021, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Yeah I was about to special order one for a sticker of around $65k but it was going to be out of state which is a bit of a pain because no one gives good discounts around my area. It would have also featured less options compared to the M340i xDrive and numbers are terrible for AMG cars. Ended up with the Bimmer having a higher MSRP and much bigger discount. Free maintenance was icing on the cake. Still can't believe MB doesn't provide s*** for maintenance.

Mercedes financial has been very strange lately. Back in 2014, someone stole the driver's side mirror of my C250 in the mall parking lot. I went straight to the dealer and they wanted somewhere around $2k to fix it. After some choice words with the manager, I ended up trading the C in and leasing a new E350. $65k sticker for 500 a month flat, 0 out of pocket. It was my 3rd car with them and they didn't want to lose my business. The CLA250 I was settling for was working out to well over 600. Premium package, AMG line, heated seats, and red leather interior were the only options. They didn't negotiate a penny for my 4th car. Walked over to BMW and haven't turned back since.

thewusman · 03-02-2021, 01:44 AM

There is simply one thing MB and Audi can never replicate: the impact of the Hofmeister kink.

The G20 is a testimony to this.

With regards to the interior, I still dislike the wheel and "stuck on" instrument binnacle replacement screen, the rest is starting to grow on me. I suspect this design language will be followed by others. Fluid with a central display.

Disclaimer: touchscreens don't work in cars. Period.

Test drove the new VW Touareg when I was shopping and everything in that car is "touch" with what VW call their "Innovation cockpit". It's an epic fail and actually a dangerous distraction to driving safety. Trying to hit virtual buttons with zero ergonomic layout or tactile response was hellish frustrating.

Rob_G77 · 03-02-2021, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewusman

Disclaimer: touchscreens don't work in cars. Period.

Test drove the new VW Touareg when I was shopping and everything in that car is "touch" with what VW call their "Innovation cockpit". It's an epic fail and actually a dangerous distraction to driving safety. Trying to hit virtual buttons with zero ergonomic layout or tactile response was hellish frustrating.

I like that most IDrive7 equipped BMW vehicles can manage many features just by voice commands. Even though the climate controls are very intuitive, you don't even need to take your eyes off the road to change temperature.

The BMW just has a sportier appearance with nicer front and back ends. Although I don't like the exhaust appearance on the M340I.

Rob

TiMSport · 03-02-2021, 09:00 AM

One thing I like about my Audi is that the exhaust is real, as in 4 real tips

wtwo3 · 03-02-2021, 09:33 AM

I have to say.... I thought the new C class was pretty good looking... UNTIL I just saw these comparison pictures. The G20 is MUCH better looking.

OM3RTA · 03-03-2021, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

THIS is so much better looking. It was such a close call but I went with the Bimmer. Hope I don't regret it.

It's a great looking car that but in all honesty the Beemer and any comparable Audi kill it stone dead in cabin build quality.

I wonder if this new C has upped it's quality

03-01-2021, 12:00 PM	#1
advantage20 Major 1872 Rep 1,230 Posts Drives: 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: France iTrader: (0)	[Visual Comparo] BMW G20 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz W206 C-Class Last edited by advantage20; 03-01-2021 at 03:46 PM..
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03-01-2021, 12:12 PM	#2
Sportstick Major General 4650 Rep 6,027 Posts Drives: '15 228i and '24 X3 sDrive30i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Southwest USA iTrader: (0)	I knew I had seen that face before... Attached Images __________________ 2015 228i 6MT/Track Handling/Tech/Cold/Premium/Lighting/Driver Assistance/KCDesign Strut Brace/M2 LCAs/Rogue SSK/BBS SR/PS4S/ER Chargepipe/AA Intercooler/Dinan Shockware/MPerformance Spoiler/Black Grilles/Xpel Ultimate PPF & Prime XR+ Tint/Adam's Ceramic/no CDV 2024 X3 sDrive30i/MSport/Premium/Dynamic Handling/Shadowline/Parking/Xpel Prime XR Plus/Weathertech Cargo Liner
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03-01-2021, 12:15 PM	#3
DawnRacer Enlisted Member 51 Rep 47 Posts Drives: G20 330i M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Stockholm iTrader: (0)	That Mercedes looks like an Audi from behind
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03-01-2021, 01:00 PM	#4
inire Enlisted Member 39 Rep 33 Posts Drives: - Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	I like the rear view of the Merc but the front headlights could be more agressive IMO. Also, this glass-fiber interior trim looks like it would be made for a rain coat. The steering wheel is a bit strange as well. Actually I appreciate BMW’s solution regarding integrating the dash and the center display - but I would feel blessed if they could make the digital dash more configurable. I dont understand why they would integrate a long tabletish display in the LCI.
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03-01-2021, 01:50 PM	#7
srbs73 Major 548 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: BMW i4 M50 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	The front of the Mercedes looks like its one of those cheap Chinese copies! Are we sure it’s not a Shuanghuan?
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03-01-2021, 08:37 PM	#8
6oclockshadow Private First Class 452 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Boston; Clifden, IE iTrader: (0)	Is that a rendering of the mb??
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03-01-2021, 09:36 PM	#10
dr_frankfurter non-essential 502 Rep 452 Posts Drives: '21 330i Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I was genuinely rooting for this C class to be a huge step forward. The exterior looks bloated and heavy, rear end is virtually identical to the A class. Front 3/4 is its best angle IMO, and the interior's focus on touch screen/MBUX seems it will be frustrating. I'm sure it will drive well and be supremely comfortable in its segment, but I'm so glad the 3 looks as good as it does, especially side by side. The only advantage of the Benz in my eyes is a better digital dash setup and more vibrant ambient lighting. Let's see if the next Giulia will be better competition for the G20.
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03-01-2021, 10:08 PM	#13
stein_325i Ring Leader of G8X Haters 25076 Rep 8,762 Posts Drives: A Car Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: All-Around iTrader: (0)	Tough pick, some angles work better for the 3, others for the C, I have a feeling the C-Class will look super elegant in black with chrome, like a mini W223 S-Class. MB's always look better in their luxury spec and BMW's in their sporty spec. Giulia still reigns king though when it comes to the best looking car in the segment. As controversial as the interior is, I think it will help sales, new S-Class which has a similar design on the inside already has record pre-orders. __________________ Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300
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03-01-2021, 11:12 PM	#14
TiMSport Banned 12793 Rep 2,983 Posts Drives: '21 M340i xDrive, '17 Audi S3 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	THIS is so much better looking. It was such a close call but I went with the Bimmer. Hope I don't regret it. Attached Images
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03-02-2021, 01:44 AM	#18
thewusman Enlisted Member 41 Rep 49 Posts Drives: M340i Xdrive - Mineral Grey Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: ZA iTrader: (0)	There is simply one thing MB and Audi can never replicate: the impact of the Hofmeister kink. The G20 is a testimony to this. With regards to the interior, I still dislike the wheel and "stuck on" instrument binnacle replacement screen, the rest is starting to grow on me. I suspect this design language will be followed by others. Fluid with a central display. Disclaimer: touchscreens don't work in cars. Period. Test drove the new VW Touareg when I was shopping and everything in that car is "touch" with what VW call their "Innovation cockpit". It's an epic fail and actually a dangerous distraction to driving safety. Trying to hit virtual buttons with zero ergonomic layout or tactile response was hellish frustrating. Last edited by thewusman; 03-02-2021 at 01:50 AM..
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03-02-2021, 09:00 AM	#20
TiMSport Banned 12793 Rep 2,983 Posts Drives: '21 M340i xDrive, '17 Audi S3 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	One thing I like about my Audi is that the exhaust is real, as in 4 real tips
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03-02-2021, 09:33 AM	#21
wtwo3 Major General 17950 Rep 5,476 Posts Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 Mini Cooper S ... [10.00] 2023 BMW M3 [9.40] 2023 BMW X7 40i [9.75]	I have to say.... I thought the new C class was pretty good looking... UNTIL I just saw these comparison pictures. The G20 is MUCH better looking. __________________ 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i 2023 BMW M3 6MT 2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible '20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
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