2015 Mercedes Benz C-Class vs BMW 3-Series vs Audi A4 – Specs and Price Compare

Dimensions – 2015 Mercedes Benz C-Class is smallest in terms of overall length and width, at 4,592 mm and 1,770 mm respectively, whereas in terms of overall height and wheelbase, the Merc stands tallest at 1,430 mm (not by noticeable difference) and spans the least at 2,761 mm. Audi A4 has almost the same wheelbase as BMW 3-Series, measuring 2,808 mm and 2,810 mm respectively, and same (2 mm difference) goes for the case of overall height as well, with A4 stretching the tape to 1,427 mm and 328i reading 1,429 mm. In terms of overall length and width, Audi A4 is largest at 4,701 mm and 1,826 mm respectively, while the Beemer registers 4,624 mm and 1,811 mm. Ground clearance of all three would be similar, around 155 mm. Minimum turning radius of Audi A4 seems to be much higher, at 5.75 m (approx.), while new C-Class does 5.61 m and 328i does 5.5 m (approx.).

Engine & Mileage – All three mid-size luxury premium sedans have only one petrol engine each. 2015 Mercedes Benz C-Class draws 184 PS and 300 Nm from its 2.0 litre motor, while Audi A4 dishes out 170 PS and 320 Nm from its 1.8 litre TFSI unit. BMW 3-Series has unmatchable power output in this segment, with its 2.0 litre power plant squeezing out 245 PS and 350 Nm, enabling 250 kmph top speed and 0-100 kmph sprint in 5.9 seconds; yet it delivers 14.59 kmpl mileage. The Merc manages highest fuel efficiency of 14.74 kmpl while being capable of hitting 235 kmph top speed and 7.3 sec 0-100 kmph acceleration. Audi A4 lags behind at 225 kmph top speed and 8.3 seconds to sprint. A4 also delivers least mileage of 15.64 kmpl.

Transmission – India does not have a manual variant in this segment. 2015 Mercedes Benz C-Class sports 7G-Tronic Plus transmission, while BMW 328i and Audi A4 1.8 TFSI have 8-speed selection with latter using CVT technology.

Price – Audi A4 petrol is the most affordable of the lot, at Rs. 29.86 lakhs for Premium version, Rs. 32.11 lakhs for Premium Plus model and Rs. 34.91 lakhs for Technology edition. 2015 Mercedes Benz C-Class is priced at Rs. 40.90 lakhs, while BMW 328i wears price tag of Rs. 42.50 lakhs (all prices ex-showroom New Delhi).