BMW has unveiled the eighth-generation 3 Series (G50), powered by internal combustion engines. While built on an overhauled CLAR platform, the sedan is completely renewed inside and out. Sales will commence in the first quarter of 2027. Its primary rivals in the premium compact executive segment remain the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A5.
Dimensions and Cargo Capacity
The Audi A5 is the largest car in this comparison, measuring 4,829 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,444 mm in height, with a 2,892 mm wheelbase. Cargo capacity stands at 445 liters, expanding to 1,299 liters when the rear seats are folded.
The new BMW 3 Series remains more compact: 4,765 x 1,850 x 1,455 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,860 mm and a luggage volume of 450 liters.
Following its facelift, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class grew by 15 mm to 4,766 mm long, 1,820 mm wide, and 1,438 mm high, with a 2,865 mm wheelbase. It is the narrowest of the three, offering 455 liters of boot space.
Engine Lineup and Electrification
In Europe, the gasoline engine lineup for the BMW 3 Series comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup and an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission:
- 318: 2.0-liter turbo engine delivering 156 hp and 250 Nm; rear-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, top speed 215 km/h.
- 320: 2.0-liter turbo engine with 211 hp and 330 Nm; rear-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, top speed 240 km/h.
- M350 xDrive: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 437 hp and 580 Nm; all-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, top speed 250 km/h.
BMW has permanently dropped diesel powertrains from the 3 Series lineup. For North America, 330 and 330 xDrive models will feature a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 255 hp and 400 Nm.
The Audi A5 offers 2.0-liter EA888 Gen 5 turbocharged engines equipped with Miller cycle combustion and variable turbine geometry:
- 35 TFSI: Front-wheel drive with 150 hp and 270 Nm.
- 40 TFSI: 204 hp and 340 Nm, available in front-wheel drive or quattro AWD.
- 45 TFSI quattro: Outputs between 268-272 hp and 400 Nm.
All Audi powertrains are paired with a 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and a 48-volt MHEV Plus system.
The updated Mercedes C-Class features 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines integrated with second-generation 48V integrated starter-generators (ISG 2.0) and 9G-Tronic automatic transmissions:
- Gasoline: C 200 (177 hp), C 250 (218 hp), and C 300 (258 hp and 400 Nm, with an overboost providing +27 hp for 20 seconds).
- Diesel: C 200 d (163 hp) and C 250 d (200 hp), certified to run on HVO 100 synthetic fuel.
The C-Class remains the only vehicle among the three to retain diesel powertrains.
Digital Interior and Infotainment Systems
The BMW 3 Series cabin replaces traditional gauge clusters with a pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display at the base of the windshield. The central screen measures 17.9 inches—the largest in its segment. Running BMW Operating System X based on the Android Open Source Project, it includes an AI voice assistant, a 3D augmented-reality head-up display, and removes the classic iDrive rotary controller.
The Audi A5 features an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, alongside an optional 10.9-inch passenger display. Touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console include haptic feedback.
The Mercedes C-Class maintains its portrait-oriented 11.9-inch MBUX screen and 12.3-inch instrument panel. Top trims offer a 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen and an 18-inch head-up display. Its MB.OS architecture integrates three AI models simultaneously—ChatGPT-4o, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Bing—alongside a Sky Control panoramic roof decorated with 162 illuminated three-pointed stars.
Chassis Dynamics and Driver Assistance
BMW updated the 3 Series chassis with widened tracks, revised suspension kinematics, and all-new dampers, springs, and stabilizers. A notable addition is the Drift Moment function, which channels 100% of engine torque to the rear axle. Symbiotic Drive lets drivers intervene without deactivating cruise control, while Motorway Assistant supports hands-free driving up to 130 km/h.
The Audi A5 incorporates adaptive dampers that adjust to road surfaces, combined with electronically controlled quattro AWD.
Mercedes equips the C-Class with an optional Agility and Comfort package, combining Airmatic air suspension, adaptive damping, and rear-axle steering (up to 4.5 degrees). Car-to-X technology communicates with other vehicles to pre-adjust damping over rough roads, while the reverse-assist memory feature retraces the car’s last maneuvers in tight spots.
Pricing Comparison in Germany
Base market prices in Germany are structured as follows:
- Audi A5: Starting from €47,800.
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Starting from €48,844 (on sale from August 18, 2026).
- BMW 3 Series (G50): Starting from €49,900.
