Transmission system used is multitronic for Audi A4 whereas it is 8 speed steptronic for BMW 3 Series and 7G -Tronic Plus for Mercedes Benz C Class.
With Mercedes Benz C Class Diesel variant out on roads, the competition in the luxury segment is going to heat up. The C Class C 220 CDI was launched at the price tag of INR 39.90 lacs. We already have two excellent sedans in the same class by the name of Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, so it would be interesting to see which of these three epic brands would come out on top.
Comparing the three big German brands, when it comes to appearance, it is really your personal call, although Mercedes Benz C Class has received LED headlamps with daytime running LEDs. Audi A4 has the maximum length and will stand out a bit more with a more refined front fascia while BMW 3 Series being the most compact is better suited for maneuvering on Indian roads. The rear comfort is much more in case of Mercedes Benz C Class since it has the largest wheelbase in the lot.
Inside the cabin, all three of the sedans look exquisite but differ in terms of space and infotainment system provided. Mercedes Benz C Class features a 5.5 inch display in its Style trim and a 7 inch display for Avantgarde variant. The COMAND system of Merc is quite capable of providing information and entertainment on the go allowing compatibility with iPod, iPod lightening cable, micro USB, dock, Bluetooth, navigation system, etc. In comparison, BMW 3 Series has a competitive display size of 6.4 inches for its infotainment system using iDrive controller with options for smartphone connectivity and built-in navigation system as well.
Engine and performance is definitely one of the most important criterias. Comparing the three, we find that Mercedes Benz C Class has the highest capacity for engine with 2.2 litres compared to 2 litres each for Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Power generated is the highest with BMW 3 Series with 181bhp at 4000rpm compared to 167bhp for Mercedes Benz C Class at 3000 to 4200rpm and 174bhp for Audi A4 at 4200rpm.
Transmission system used is multitronic for Audi A4 whereas it is 8 speed steptronic for BMW 3 Series and 7G -Tronic Plus for Mercedes Benz C Class.
When it comes to top speed, BMW 3 Series beats Mercedes Benz C Class by a whisker with 235kmph top speed for the former and 233kmph for the latter. The top speed for Audi A4 on the other hand is 222kmph which is pretty far behind its two competitors. When it comes to hitting the 100kmph mark, Mercedes Benz C Class takes away the cake crossing the same barrier in just 7.4 seconds compared to 7.6 seconds taken by BMW 3 Series and 7.9 seconds taken by Audi A4.
Although for luxury saloons, fuel economy is not the priority but the factor does come into play when you put your alternatives against each other in perspective. Mercedes Benz C Class claims the highest fuel economy with 19.27kmpl whereas BMW 3 Series is not far behind with 18.88kmpl followed by Audi A4 offering a mileage of 17.11kmpl.
So numbers suggest that newly launched Mercedes Benz C Class C 220 CDI is ahead of its two competitors as far as performance is concerned, although the other two are not far behind. Having said that, Mercedes Benz C Class is the most expensive of the three, so customers would have to take their pick based on their preferences.
CarDekho
