New Mercedes C-Class v Audi A4 v BMW 3 Series group test - Auto Express
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- čas přidán 9. 05. 2011
- Full review: www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevie...
Welcome to the toughest of three-way fights. The models in this test dominate the compact executive sector, but does the arrival of the revised Mercedes C-Class upset the established order?
The German company has carried out what it's calling a 'comprehensive modernisation' to help the saloon leapfrog the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. Revised exterior styling, cleaner engines and a better-quality cabin are a few of the changes to have been rolled out, but will they be enough? - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Matt watson looks so young in this video 😃
I just watched this and laughed so hard. I've driven all 3 of them as well and I would go for the C-class any time. Looks the best(personal) and it is just the most relaxing car to drive. It is sporty enough for me when I want to and I think the interior looks the best and I found all the ergonomics inside and with the COMAND system the most natural to work with. All of these 3 cars are basically just as good, it all depends on personal preferences which one you like best.
Mercedes is the best!
So glad to see Matt in such an old video
Depends what you want in your car. BMW is for the real drivers. Ford Mondeo gives similar thrills for a lot less money. Mercs are the best long distance traveller. So much more quieter and refined. Second hand values are very high because people tend to drive their mercs more carefully rather than race them like a BMW.
All 3 are great cars, but speaking as a 3 Series defector to a 2012 C 350 Class, I think the key is driving in 2012 is not just about driving a go-cart. It's about sitting in traffic, the air-conditioning, the sound system, the materials used for the interior. Don't get me wrong, I think for a 23 year old driving enthusiast, the BMW is probably the way to go, but for me, as a 43 year old, I liked the Merc for overall comfort and a bit off performance.
I owned a C-Class for a year, it's a brilliant car, really comfortable and with decent handling (not brilliant) and it feels punchy. It's perfect for long trips. I must confess though that the 3 series is more exciting to drive, specially the newer version F30, it's just brilliant. Overall I guess it's all about taste, if you like performance go for the 3 series, if you like comfort and reliability go for the Merc and if you want something in between go for the Audi, it's not as comfortable as a C-Class and not as exciting as a 3 series(the quattro fans might disagree on that, but in my opinion it's still not quite the same unless you're driving in the snow). It's hard to have a favorite as they're all brilliant cars, what I would like is to own one of each in addition to an Alfa 159 and a Jaguar XF, but that's out of my budget :)
I still think that C Class is the best in this class, even though Mat says otherwise.
My uncle had a 2008 3 series. What a lemon it was. He traded it for a 2010 Prius. He hated the Prius after a month. As soon as he payed for it he got a 2012 C350 and loves it.
I beg to differ, I've owned all three. Started with the Audi first, after hearing all the buzz i bought one and the drive was incredibly boring but if that's what you're into then you'd love it. It was very reliable and great on fuel too but i fancied a change so i bought a BMW.... Money pit, i look after all my cars too. After spending the equivalent to a mortgage i finally gave up and put it up for sale. The amount of issues that car gave me almost stacked up to as much as my wife does. Its almost as if turning the car on would present a new warning light on the dash 😂. However, i gave a c180 merc a try and it converted me forever. Brilliant machine, reliable, economical, just brilliant. I kept that car for 6 years with just regular maintenance and servicing. Buy a Merc you won't regret it.
Having owned both the pre-facelift and post-facelift C-Class, it's hard to see how the new one could be out done by just about any car on the road!
Have the Mercedes and it's a great car. I would buy the BMW, but I have had a lot of issues with the brand and I find it ugly. Perhaps I will get me the next gen BMW but the Merc is again much more appealing . :) I don't know why, but I dont find the AUDI interesting in any way.
I drive the merc c class amg 250d and its a lovely car but still get hassle from the 2 stripes Corsa go fast men at traffic lights lol
Mercedes looks the best
+Ismet Vladic It is indeed !!!
I owned a BMW before ,but now I love the Mercedes and it's far better than BMW in all fronts.
I call BS. Bmw for the win.
Carwow or auto express ?😂
He's been everywhere 😂
He was also on car buyer
Let's just all agree that German cars are the best
Had the 2011 bmw 328i loved it how it handles turns at high speeds hated it when I went over bumps sounded like the whole inside was lose and rattles got the 2010 Mercedes c300 and love it
I was like is that Matt Watson!!??? Look at younger Matt still doing a great job!!!
If you like plenty of trouble and extra costs, feel free to pick the Audi
gorgonzo1😂
Well said. I was actually looking for any reviews of the 2012 BMW vs. any of these cars. There is none so far. I guess it is too soon.
I am pretty confident the new Bimmer is going to come out first again.
why does he took Audi S line and Merc non AMG and BMW non M ?
its a bit unfair :/
I like the way that the music starts @ 3:29 it makes you make your mind and get the Audi straight away.
This guy's gonna be as big as Clarkson.
Seems like you where right.
Mercedes c class tops
No matter what this weirdo said, Merc is the BEST !!!
+Capricornarr how does it even look better than the audi? the audi looks the best exterior and interior wise.
TToTToTT My second choice would always be audi though but bmw is not even in my list at all.
Capricornarr this weirdo is doing bits now! Hope you’ve grown up and dont judge people the same way. Every car guy knows Matt Watson now
@@harvinmahal i am probably your dads age, and its u who needs to grow up and learn to accept others opinion.
@@harvinmahal dad’s fighting over cars😂
Mercedes is the Comfort, BMW is the Sportiness...Audi is the middle,i dont know why ,but i love Merc's,maybe because of their Beauty, History, Quality and....THEIR POWERFUL V8'S!
Most danish taxi drivers prefer a C-class
That car is damn awesome
ok really i need ur advice , my father asked me if i want bmw 530 or c300 , its absolutely the same price . which one i better? :( really confused
I've just sold my e90 and I've always thought it was the best in its class until I drove my sister in law's w204 ..at first I thought mercs don't really make any good cars. Blimey!!! I'm well impressed by the merc that I'd buy one right away if needed. So comfortable and nippy when you need to up the game. It's only done 78,000 my bmw was well maintained with around the same mileage. 73,000 plus if I can remember.
so im thimking of buying a c 300 class newer then a 2009 and not sure if i should get a that or find something else im 15 and i like the way it looks but i like to go fast i currently have a 2000 vw gti and i love the grip, handling, and the speed i want to get that but better thats why i wanna know if the merc is a good choice
I drove a 328i Luxury and a 335i Sport and really had a blast, I have 2011 328i sedan and love it. The interior is a blend between a 5 and a 6 series, but good even with a bit more plastic on the instruments. I like the looks of the new C-Class and A-4, but haven't driven them. I have tried a 5 and E 2012 year model and hated them but had to hand it to the 5 for the feel.
@BadgerinSC If it comes to comfort and quiet tho, was Lexus also an option for you?
Mat Watson looking fresh doe! Cheers from 2021
Lots of the bits of this film are from the Carbuyer reviews
I can totally relate to his expression at 2:32, you cant help the grin while driving the 3 series.
P.S. The BMW had the M-sport kit, which meant the comfort was obviously going to be compromised, but I have driven many examples and none were as comfortable as the C-class.
I'll buy Merc just for the look
thats great u guys are doing good for yourselves
The new 3-series is all new, so BMW says. I'm a strong MB fan. I absolutely love my new 2012 C250! Best car in the class!
Wouldn't u compare the c class to the facelift a4 and the f30 3 series???
is this the F30 bmw in the video or the older one?
Most scenes were taken from Carbuyer reviews...
@seanzal
OK. It is a arguable what importance it has on what model every platform is applied first. Conceded: the A4 (which, in contrast to the A3 does have a longitudinally mounted engine) was first to receive the last 3 generations of platforms: But as you know they were CONCEIVED AS FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE, and as such the A4 has always sold more than 70% only FWD. And no, actually the A4 platforms have been used with same suspensions and steering in VW Passat, SEAT Exeo, Skoda Superb, etc.
how did he come up with that conclusion?
what do u guys do for a living?
You are what you drive as they say:
BMW - drivers are fast, mainly young with lots of gadgets, wear sun glasses all of the time, have the hands free in their ears and like to bleast around like tools.
Audi - drivers are sensible family people who like nothing more than a sensible quality no nonenese car that looks OK.
Merc - drivers are refined, sophisticated and ooz elegance.
I've owned a few c-classes and drove a partner's audi A4 regularly and last year drove a 3-series as a company car...Audi is beautiful and well built, but unfortunately doesn't have a special driving dynamic. It can't even be called a jack of all trades. The BMW is really rewarding when travelling at illegial speeds, which is my point. It is not a comfortable every day commuter. Mercedes-Benz kept winning my purchase because they really are the most comfortable all rounders. My opinion.
@blane237 I looked into Lexus, along with 6 or 7 other cars I planned on test driving. I drove a 3 Series, and a few months later a C Class. It was over at that point. One additional point: The new 3 Series, similarly fitted out with my C class, costs over 53K. My C 350 cost just over 42K. (They knocked 2K off the sticker right off the bat because I was BMW owner). You could almost get an E Class for 53K. (I said almost!)
I would suggest changing your ID "Toyota4Life" before attributing qualities such as "boring" to another car.
yeah i know exactly what youre saying although i must mention that the x type shares 20% parts with the mondeo and thats it ! i have an x type which drives v similar to a mondeo which aint a such a bad thing as the older mondeo was a good car albeit mundane, new xf is phenomenal and has won every possible award going ever since it was released back in 08 ! cant wait for the long overdue x type replacement that WILL be something special as it needs to be to keep up with its older siblings !!!
Not a very useful review to be fair. The point is that the C class is a comfortable ride as standard. If you want to up the pace then the sports pack is a £1700 option which will transform the handling, 15mm lower, stiffer setup, steering changed etc etc
My brother leased the c class and I truly like the interior more than my 2008 3 series but the handling is much better on the Beemer
I dont even have this conundrum anymore...have had BMW and Audi´s, and as much as I love my current S40 Volvo, I am getting one of these C class as soon as I can. The only one I haven´t owned, and can´t wait.
Mercedes Benz "the best or nothing"
Mercedes Benz all day everyday!
@rotbix no, it looks like infiniti m35/m45 headlights.
Nothing like the quality of a Mercedes. Nothing beats the quality and rigor they put on their cars. That's simply it.
The amount of money you pay for having a way too bended sheet on the hood and sides of the BMW, and that will cost you, goes directly to the astonishingly low dimensional tolerance of the machinery beneath the "pretty" car they require in Stuttgart. That's the big difference. That's why the gear box pretty much any merc is so smooth. The pieces simply fit very well.
our family has a 97 3-series... and its still running like brand new.
The C300 is great fun, but don't expect it to have the same or near the same grip as your GTi. It's more for refinement and comfort the blends with a hint of sportiness, due only to it's looks (In avantgarde mode in RSA) and the extra power over the C280. You'd probably want an Audi S3 or a BMW surely, if you are a GTi fan?
I drive c 300, 2013 and it's fast. A light tap on the pedals and it'll go flying. BMW 3 series, has a cheap looking interior dashboard design and look old fashioned. However, i like the head lights in 3 series over the C class's. The rear lights look better in the C class over the 3 series especially at night. C class has a standard sports wheel with flat bottom like in the SLS amg and SL 63 amg cars.
The hole exterior looks better but okkk
@westcoast37 i think you should look into the BMW x1
Mine is C200 diamond white IM IN LOVE WITH IIT!!!!
Audi for style and luxury
Mercedes for luxury and straight line speed
BMW for handling and performance
@Kellystrong24 No but we have a 350CGI and 250CGI (if you're mad enough to buy a petrol and/or auto)
@walker20082009 how does that make a diiference?
BMW is a kid's car,..Audi is just a wannabe,..but the Mercedes is solid, luxurious, and a refined world class fav....'nuff said!!!!!..
@alernest
Yes big problems between VW and Porsche Merger i know- however I was trying to make the point that the Porsche and the VW group have been sharing bits for years!
FYI The Platform on the A4's for the past 15 years were designed for Audi and later put onto the VW Passats. Not the other way around.
The Current A4/A5 (the B8), is on a Platform that remains exclusive to Audi. Suspension on Audis are far more developed and advanced! FWD got me out in the snow. My neighbours BMW was stuck!
Specialy audis headlight technology and daytime running light.... Marvelous..unbeatable
I Love Mercedes, Excited with BMW and Adore Audi
hmmmm ive been looking at benz's and beemers. beemers are pretty sweet and seem like they are more fun to drive, but having a benz at 19 would be so pimp haha i'm still deciding
@westcoast37 .....go for the A4 mate..........IMO...it looks better and performs better....
Sorry forgot to mention, don't forget Jaguar is owned by Ford and have influenced them to a degree, you just have to look at the X type for that (just a Mondeo).
Why do we Americans have to suffer and have to live with 30 mpg when in urope they get 57 mpg that's normality up over there man
Perfect search because I'm actually wanting to buy one of the three. 2010 C Class, 2010 3 Series or 2010 A4. I'm willing to spend no more than $37,000 CDN. This is very hard choice because there all very good cars. Any suggestions?
2019!
Nice looking AUDI !
BMW 3 series looks best in White and i have to agree driving BMW is very fun compared to Mercedes and Audi. But then again it is personal opinion.
@kokildeb
Why ?
hell yes, i agree
wheres the new 3 series already? did bmw forget to make a new 3 series or something?
all ppl they love to drive know backwheel drive gives fun! BMW M seris!!!
i drive the new M5 (4.4twinturbo V8) and trust me - best car if ever drive! try it you will see!
@nickL7389 looks like "new" Skoda Octavia headlights :/
@NottinghamForest22 That is your Opinion. However, Looks Wise I will choose these
1. Mercedes
2. BMW
3. Audi
What I would have:
1.BMW- depending on the packages
2. Mercedes- depending on the packages
3. Audi
I steered my mother into a C350 from all of these three as well as the Lexus IS.
In hindsight given the way she drives I think the C350 is overkill (a C250 would have sufficed) but the extra oomph is always a delight on the highway. The Lexus is nice but the engines are meh, but BMW has too much plastic & the dealer is a complete arse, so the only real contender was the A4, by mum liked the C-class more so here we are today.
I don't think neither mum or I regret that decision; she still loves her MB today. Cost are unsurprisingly higher than our previous Nissan, but somehow cheaper than my old man's Mitsubishi. Go figure...
Stop driving your mums car haha
@@bsbs3382 stop replying to 3 year old comments
@@Trades46 how expensive is the maintenance?
@@jessejaja5322 expensive enough that she eventually sold it. Now she's in a Ford hybrid and while it is nowhere as fun I think she likes it more for the low running costs.
Well it matters little to me now since I now drive my own Audi Sportback e-tron.
@@jessejaja5322 if maintenance and running costs are an issue, the C180 is also an option. I own it and it returns 34MPG Urban and higher on motorways. Very punchy when driven hard due to its turbo and a nice engine growl, but very refined and composed in all other cases. Buy your own parts and find a good local independent mechanic for MOT/Service, mine cost £145 for the parts and labour for both service and MOT. Mercedes is reliable too if you treat it right, it'll look after you.
@EvoPower2010 I think audi is the perfect balance between sportyness, safty, comfort and luxury.
Down to personal preference all 3 have individual merits 3 very high quality cars with good engines fedup with how these magazines always seem to award the win to BMW on the grounds 'it puts a smile on your face' where most people care more about refinement stereo quality smooth ride and styling enough in my opinion to outweigh the ability to be milliseconds faster over a twisty route.
@pc7872 How?
@seanzal
The Audi R8, in contrast, does have a rear-axle bias, it is practically a mid-engined RWD and that is what makes it the car it is.
That seems to way to go: Ferrari FF, BMW 335iSX, Nissan GT-R: AWD cars with greater rear-axle bias, and a set of mechanic, active differentials.
I don't know about you but I LONG FOR THE DAY THAT AUDI MAKE A PROPER SPORTQUATTRO AGAIN.
All great cars. I personally like the Audi but you couldnt say one is better than the other. They all have their own awesome feel and style. I think the C looked better before the f-lift and the bimmer needs a f-down. Its a little to curvy. I miss the old bimmers with their boxier cuts. Maybe that why I like the Audi because the corners are sharper.
Agreed.
Matt Watson before carwow
I know right, I'm WAY more impressed with the Benz!
Exactly.
*Sees dislikes* oh, the BMW fanboys must be pissed off then
@TheUltramarine55
I don't think so
isnt he in carbuyer
I have had all 3 and now have the coupe Merc, far superior to a BMW and Audi they are just down right bland inside and out.
@superravmanrampage thank god. i dont like how the current 3 sedan looks as compared to the c class and a4. hope fully the next 3 series sedan will have some attitude.
u know , i did test drive 4 bmw 530 and i did in the same day c300 coupe , they r the same i cant compare i should have more time , i just noticed that c300 is too small inside , i think i'll check jaguar xf v8 still same price , thnx for your feed back Mrhushnow :)
This is based 100% on preference. Something things are more appealing to certain people, and all these cars have great appeal.