BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes, Jaguar
A NEW BMW 3 Series is always big news. Early January saw us pitch the G20 model head-to-head with two of its closest rivals – the updated Mercedes C-Class and the Jaguar XE. We put every area of these upmarket saloons under the microscope to give the definitive verdict.
Despite a general trend towards SUVs even in this sector, junior execs are still huge profit-making products for their makers and so have to deliver across the board. With more infotainment and driving-assistance tech than ever, there were more opportunities for this trio to succeed – but more hidden traps for them to negotiate, too. All have traditionally excelled when it comes to the ride, handling and refinement balance, plus our 2.0-litre diesel test models offered decent efficiency. The 3 Series took victory due to an unbeatable blend of attributes that the Jag and Mercedes just couldn’t quite match. Its revised turbodiesel proved there’s life in this fuel yet and gave great performance and refinement, the updated infotainment excelled, it rode and handled like a small, sporty saloon should, and the improved packaging meant it was even more practical. Extra driver tech made it a more intelligent, more connected machine as well.
It wasn’t all perfect for the seventh-generation 3 Series, though. Throughout this year the BMW design team has been a little wide of the mark with the new models it has released, and given that this is one of the more conservative cars to come out of Munich, the 3 Series’ design still wasn’t to all tastes. However, this is very subjective – in every measurable area, the BMW triumphed over or at the very least equalled its rivals to pull off a convincing victory.
We said: “The 3 Series is king of the compact exec class. It sets a new benchmark for handling, but balances this with comfort and refinement. It’ll also be cheaper to run, boasts more practicality, and an updated interior and infotainment cement its first-place finish. In almost every area it betters its rivals, with advanced tech keeping up with buyers’ demands.”
That last point was key, and even though the BMW would face tougher challenges throughout the year, a 320d that joined our test fleet in April showed the car has the staying power to succeed and keep the 3 Series flame alight.