Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300
Test Drive

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

Fans complain that the new "three" BMW is far from tradition, and about the same thoughts - the buyers of the Mercedes C-Class. No one argues only with the fact that both models are becoming more and more perfect.

Many copies have been broken in the debate over the newest BMW troika with the G20 index. They say that it has become too big, heavy and completely digital, as opposed to the classic "three-ruble notes" of yesteryear, created for a real drive. There were claims of a different kind to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class: they say, with each generation, the car is moving further and further from the real comfortable sedans. Maybe that's why the fourth-generation model with the W205 index initially offered almost half a dozen chassis options for every taste, including air suspension struts? The car debuted in 2014, and now there is an updated version on the market with exterior cosmetics, new electronics and a set of compact turbo engines.

Mercedes-Benz vs BMW is a classic inside and out, including layout and drive. But do not expect "sixes" under the hoods even in the test versions of 330i and C300 with two-liter turbo engines with a capacity of 258 and 249 horsepower, respectively. And if in the case of BMW this is generally the only petrol version in Russia, where the cash register, oddly enough, is made by a diesel BMW 320d, then Mercedes-Benz has no diesels at all, but there are cars with nameplates C180 and C200. And the tested C300 managed to become outdated during the test - deliveries of such machines were curtailed at least until the end of the year, but dealers still have some stock.

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

The new "treshka" with its well-known classic proportions is unmistakably determined, although the car no longer has round head optics, no Hofmeister family curve on the rear pillar, no steps of rear lights. Evolution has brought her a very computer-aided appearance, with which she looks ultra-modern. If the "three" looks strange, then only in basic versions with T-shaped cutouts of the front bumper. In Russia, all cars are sold with the M-package by default and seem really evil.

The "205th" C-Class is also dressed in AMG-Line bumpers, but does not look evil at all, even taking into account the rear pseudo-diffuser and two exhaust pipes. The incredibly beautiful radiator grille, dotted with chrome dot, is just a design feature. In general, the body of the WXNUMX has very soft, calm forms, and this particular car would be christened with the cute term "baby-Benz". Yes, the brand has more compact models, but they do not pretend to be called classics of the genre. And the Mercedes C-Class, with its rear-wheel drive layout and external identity with the flagship, claims.

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

In terms of the arrangement and general style of the cabin, the current C-Class is really much closer to the older models - with the exception that the MBUX media system did not appear here even after the update. It's no big deal, because the console now has a gorgeous 10,5-inch display with good graphics and a perfectly understandable interface - the latest and greatest iteration of the Comand system. And instead of standard instruments, there are very beautiful hand-drawn scales, extremely informative and well-readable.

The interior of beige leather and light brown wood looks very premium and smells good (thanks to the fragrance attached to the glove box), and the tactile sensations only confirm the high class of finishing, but some buttons are loose, and the steering column levers seem too plastic. A harsh chair requires habit, and a set of electrical adjustments is quite ordinary here.

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

Finally, there is no sense of spaciousness. It seems to be nice and cozy inside, but the car feels very compact, and a tall driver has to select the relative position of the seat and steering wheel for a long time. It cannot be said that the back in Mercedes-Benz is cramped, but the knees of a tall passenger will rest against the hard backs of the front seat, and the ceiling in the case of a panoramic roof will inhospitably support the crown of the head. The trunk is smaller than that of the Hyundai Solaris, but it is at least decently finished and has a small underground space to house the pump and motorist's kit.

After the ascetic interiors of previous generations of 3-Series cars, the new sedan would be called a breakthrough on all fronts. The ultra-modern styling of the current BMW X5, densely knit surfaces, mature controls - and nothing more. A minimum of buttons, a parking brake button instead of a lever, a neat automatic transmission joystick and a large media system screen. The graphics are great, as are the cameras, and input can be done by drawing letters on the iDrive washer. The voice assistant, as in the case of Mercedes, is rather weak.

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

Instruments are also a screen, but there are a lot of questions about the Live Cockpit display. Yes, it is beautiful, but, firstly, there are angular half-wheels, unusual for BMW owners, instead of classic dials, and secondly, the graphics are hard to read on the go. And the push-button control of the external light was also embarrassing - did the rotating washer seem uncomfortable to someone? But the landing is one hundred percent familiar: you have to sit low with outstretched legs and the steering wheel pulled towards you. But even because of the steering wheel, the 3-Series seems to be a more spacious machine.

Judging by the factory data, the rear passengers were added only 11 mm, but it feels really spacious here, albeit with the proviso that you can put your feet under the front seat only if the latter is slightly raised. Sitting in the back also has to be low, but the shape of the opening makes it easier to dive into the cabin - not least due to the modernization of the notorious bend of the C-pillar. The trunk has become a little smaller, the finish is even simpler, but with the C-Class as a whole, it is on par. With the optional stroller, the volume is reduced to a modest 360 liters, but there is no need for it, since the "troika" is equipped with RunFlat tires.

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

The tires are hardly to blame for the harsh driving behavior of the BMW 330i. Firstly, the car of the current generation initially has stiffer shock absorbers, and secondly, by default, not only M-styling is installed on "troikas" for Russia, but also M-suspension along with sports steering, and the standard chassis is an option.

The steering rack with a variable pitch seems artificially overweight, but this is a family one, but you don't need to turn the steering wheel once again. There is almost no swinging, as well as there is no comfort, since the “troika” reacts very sharply to unevenness and joints of asphalt. But surfing waves are no longer a problem thanks to new shock absorbers with additional pistons and buffers. Because of them, the BMW 330i, even with an M-suspension, runs comfortably on a decent road. But the main thing is that in any civilian regime you feel this car with your fingertips, and the limits seem very far away.

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

According to the specifications, it is BMW that symbolically wins in acceleration to "hundreds" (5,8 seconds versus 5,9 seconds), but the difference in sensations seems much more noticeable. Mercedes-Benz in normal modes reacts phlegmatically to gas, giving out decent, but not explosive acceleration and reviving only when the sports algorithms of the units are turned on. And even in this case, the C300 drives, albeit energetically, but without hysterics, maintaining a fairly low noise level in the cabin.

BMW is different, and the difference in settings is felt immediately. The standard mode is like the sportiest one in the C300 with harsh reactions to the gas and freezes of the “automatic” in a low gear. Sports - sharper and even sharper. You can drive in the city without discomfort, but you have to get used to some indelicacy of the “automatic” in some modes and accustom yourself to the idea that the juicy exhaust sound - synthetics from the speakers of the audio system - is quite normal.

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

Another nuance is the rear differential lock, which should make the sliding more stable. On completely dry asphalt with ESP turned off, the "troika" gets up sideways quite easily, since there is enough engine thrust, but you can only keep an even skid angle with knowledge of the matter. To begin with, the car tries to slide in front, then abruptly goes into a skid and makes you sweat if the driver wants to drive it in the same way.

It is all the more surprising that the same trick on the C-Class is easier to do. However, everything is understandable: Mercedes-Benz has softer reactions and it is easier to control it in sliding. The main thing is to find in the menu the item for disabling the stabilization system, which cannot be removed with the basic set of keys. And still there is a feeling that the electronics are watching the driver a little. If you do not need to drift, then it is better not to touch the ESP at all, because in the C-Class it works extremely delicately and without the slightest rudeness, which sometimes slips in the "troika".

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

In civilian modes, Mercedes-Benz is generally more neutral and really tries to stay comfortable in most situations. The engine is almost inaudible, the steering wheel is understandable in the normal speed range, and the Air Body Control air suspension does not like frank irregularities. On normal roads, driving on this is just a pleasure.

The more responsive Mercedes-Benz sport mode is no better or worse: on the one hand, there will be a little less swing, on the other, the car will become more demanding on the quality of the coating. In Sport + mode, the sedan tries to be a sports car, but that is no longer its style. And obviously you should not turn on this mode on a bad road - confidence in the car will not increase, and it will become more difficult to control it. There is a feeling that the Mercedes-Benz C300 can drive quickly and accurately, but as if it does not want to do it. In the end, everything is as usual - Mercedes is rather comfortable, BMW strives to be sharp and sporty.

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

The choice of modifications of the BMW 3-Series in Russia is limited to only three options. The base model is a 190-horsepower diesel BMW 320d at a price of $ 33, and its all-wheel drive version at $ 796. more expensive. The BMW 1i is offered in rear-wheel drive only for a minimum of $ 833, and there are no other options.

The updated C-Class can be bought for $ 31, but we will talk about the initial version of the C176 with a 180 liter engine and 1,6 horsepower. One and a half liter C150 with a capacity of 200 liters. with. already costs $ 184, but it is only four-wheel drive. But the C35 version, like the Bavarian competitor, does not have all-wheel drive, although the price is initially higher - $ 368. In stock there is also a 300-horsepower C39 AMG for $ 953, and it is already all-wheel drive. Or - rear-wheel drive C390 AMG with a capacity of 43 liters. with. with an exorbitant price of $ 53.

Test drive BMW 330i vs Mercedes-Benz C300

On the Russian website of Mercedes-Benz, the C300 version is no longer available, and those cars that remained in the salons can be retrofitted with a million or two. The C-Class is initially more expensive than the "three" in comparable versions, but it can turn out to be profitable in the package configurations of the "Special Series", besides, the client of the premium segment should always keep in mind the opportunity to bargain with a dealer. And there is a feeling that it will not be easy to lure a brand lover into the opposite camp with only one price difference: both cars have generally retained the usual ideology, which means that there will be no clear winner in the confrontation between BMW - Mercedes-Benz again.

Body typeSedanSedan
dimensions

(length / width / height), mm
4686/1810/14424709/1827/1442
Wheelbase, mm28402851
Curb weight, kg15401470
engine's typeGasoline, R4 turboGasoline, R4 turbo
Working volume, cubic meters cm19911998
Power, hp with. at rpm249 at 5800-6100258 at 5000-6500
Max. torque,

Nm at rpm
370 at 1800-4000400 at 1550-4400
Transmission, drive9-st. Automatic transmission, rear8-st. Automatic transmission, rear
Maximum speed km / h250250
Acceleration to 100 km / h, from5,95,8
Fuel consumption

(city / highway / mixed), l
9,3/5,5/6,97,7/5,2/6,1
Cargo space, l455480
Price from, $.39 95337 595

The editors are grateful to the administration of the Yakhroma Park ski resort for their help in organizing the shooting.

 

 

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