BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
What's the difference?

BMW X3

$88,100 - $131,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$47,950 - $181,950

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 BMW X3

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

By Mark Oastler

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

—

Likes

M performance
Rear seat knee/headroom
Versatile family/driver’s car

Luxurious finishes
Upmarket and intuitive tech
Precise handling

Dislikes

No ANCAP
Prefers premium fuel
Rear seat shoulder room for three adults

On the compact side for size
Low-ground clearance may grind the teeth
Dynamic guidelines are trippy

2026 BMW X3 Summary

BMW has recently launched its fourth-generation (G45) X3 range, which comprises three petrol variants including the entry-level 20 xDrive, mid-grade 30e xDrive PHEV and top-shelf M50 xDrive.

The new trio brings revised powertrains, new exterior and interior styling, increased standard equipment, enhanced technology and an emphasis on the use of sustainable materials.

We recently trialled the five-seater flagship to see if it has the right mix of performance and practicality to maintain the X3’s enduring appeal for Aussie families.

View full pricing & specs

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Summary

When it comes to choosing a family car, sedans are often overlooked for their long-legged wagon or beefy SUV cousins.

They're a bit of a forgotten hero but they'll always hold a piece of my heart for their practicality and (often) sexier kerb-side appeal.

If you can get used to your body cracking like a glow stick when you get in and out of them, the sedan may make a comeback!

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, in entry-level C200 form, has definitely tempted my family to consider a sedan in the future – it looks stately and refined but the driving experience also makes it fun.

Let's see what else it did right and if there was anything that could be improved.

Did I mention, I'm fond of sedans... ?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 BMW X3 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Verdict

This is a highly competent all-rounder, given that it has the comfort and practicality for urban family duties yet with its revered M breeding can produce a level of performance which, in competent hands, could hold its own at a track day where its capabilities could be safely explored.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 is such a stylish sedan and I would totally have one. The driving performance, luxurious features and practical size made it a winning combo for my family. The price point is definitely up there but you do get a high-end build for the cash. I've seen bigger boots in other sedans and not being able to fit a third child seat will limit some families, but this still easily earns an 8.5/10 from me.

My son really loved this one. The ambient lighting was the highlight for him and he thought it looked like a "space car" inside. He gave it a 9/10.

BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X3 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
What's the difference?