2014 Mercedes C-Class (W205) vs 2012 BMW 3 Series (F30) vs 2013 Audi A4 (B8)

advantage20 · 11-17-2013, 10:49 AM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Would me more fair with AMG Pack vs M Sport but I preferred doing a quick comparo with similar colors.
If someone can add M Sport silver pics please do

turbolag · 11-17-2013, 10:52 AM

C from the from looks great, just like the S. It looks weird from the back, but I can get used to that.

Depending on its driving characteristics, it may be a great car...better than the 3er.

Right now, ATS, S60R, S4, and maybe this seems to all be above the 3er.

X2 Monstah · 11-17-2013, 11:21 AM

The back of the MB doesn't quite fit with the front. Looks like they started with one car and finished with another. While the MB may look a little more "modern" that the BMW, the BMW has much smoother lines that fit together well.

ThaiBruin · 11-17-2013, 12:00 PM

Definitely gotta give the nod to the C. Overall, it's a very nice design inside and out. I will agree about the rear end. It looks like they mashed a CLA backend to an S class front end, and then smashed it down.

Pinkoboe · 11-17-2013, 12:02 PM

I generally like the exterior, with the exception of the back. It just looks droopy, sort of like it melted or something. The proportions also seem off, where the portion of the car behind the rear wheel is just too short. The back reminds of a Jaguar S-Type in a bad way.

The interior looks absolutely gorgeous! The lack of a traditional shifter cleans up the cabin a bit but also makes it much less sporty.

tdizzle · 11-17-2013, 12:41 PM

Back looks like a Kia. The car has good points but looks pieced together.

I do like the interior though.

rayg · 11-17-2013, 01:03 PM

The Mercedes looks great except for the hideous taillights. Also, the interior looks AWESOME.

drob23 · 11-17-2013, 01:28 PM

Always thought the C-Class was a great looking car. This one doesn't dissapoint, very elegant. For some reason, the rake on the C looks neutral...almost negative, not at all like current one. F30 has a much more aggressive rake and looks a lot more like a sports sedan. Maybe will have to wait till they show AMG body kit. The interior looks really nice, def nicer than the F30 but that isn't too surprising (please don't take this personally).

My biggest problem with the Benz is the powertrain to compete with the 335/S4. Those NA V6's are silly slow. I wonder if they will finally make a blown 3.0L engine. The AMG's are ridiculous though, whole other level.

KK328 · 11-17-2013, 01:31 PM

Have to admit for this and the last C class MB r pushing their design boundaries. Overall they r trying to become younger and more sporty. I think they lost completely with the trunk but never the less they r trying. But I think ultimately the difference between a BMW and MB is, one is really a sports sedan I mean at the heart of it "with the hope they stop the electric steering" vs MB which is more for the sports looks but it's more of comfort and convenience. Off course I'm not talking about AMG. The mere fact that the new C class doesn't have shift stick talks a lot about the target consumer. Just my 2cents

James550i6spd · 11-17-2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KK328

The mere fact that the new C class doesn't have shift stick talks a lot about the target consumer. Just my 2cents

Bingo. Even in prior generations, the manual was only offered in the base engine models which actually was more annoying. Love the C class but I have never considered it due to lack of manual in the premium engine offerings.

justinnum1 · 11-17-2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbolag

C from the from looks great, just like the S. It looks weird from the back, but I can get used to that.

Depending on its driving characteristics, it may be a great car...better than the 3er.

Right now, ATS, S60R, S4, and maybe this seems to all be above the 3er.

drob23 · 11-17-2013, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbolag

Right now, ATS, S60R, S4, and maybe this seems to all be above the 3er.

I missed this the first time....but you'd really take a Volvo S60 over a 335? Seriously?

Sedan_Clan · 11-17-2013, 02:58 PM

Both of those examples leave more to be desired. I'd walk away from both.

ybbiz34 · 11-17-2013, 03:39 PM

I like the leather-stitched dash on the Merc.

teaston · 11-17-2013, 03:42 PM

There is no comparison in my opinion, the c class looks horendous!

It looks like a Hyundai or Kia! Definitely a Korean look to it.

Front is bad but the rear is even worse!

And what is that thing in place of the gear stick!?

ybbiz34 · 11-17-2013, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

There is no comparison in my opinion, the c class looks horendous!

It looks like a Hyundai or Kia! Definitely a Korean look to it.

Front is bad but the rear is even worse!

And what is that thing in place of the gear stick!?

The circular object is the COMAND system controller.

The piece above it is a touch-pad for controlling the COMAND system. That's also where you can operate a "virtual" phone by all-touch commands.

And in my humble opinion, the front end of the new C Class is gorgeous. The aggressive front air ducts are much more pleasing to my eye than the standard front fascia (i.e., non-M Sport) on the F30.

I love those multi-spoke wheels on the C, as well.

johndeere · 11-17-2013, 04:21 PM

I thought I was looking at the new E-class. The front between them look too similar to me. Last gen, there was a clear difference between the C and E classes, and now they look way too similar from the front.

EHDEN · 11-17-2013, 05:13 PM

mbenz interior looks sick except for where they place the display.

RoundelM3 · 11-17-2013, 05:23 PM

As far as I'm concerned, the F30 wins hands-down.

ep_83 · 11-17-2013, 10:11 PM

The f30 just flows together so nicely. BMW just did such a great job with the body. Everything fits and nothing looks odd or out of place. From the front i like them both, but give the Benz a slight edge. From the side, its unquestionably the F30. From the back it's the F30 hands down. The MB is beautiful, but it doesn't flow well when you get to the back. As far as the interior, MB wins here by 1st round KO.

Falafel Combo · 11-18-2013, 04:22 AM

I like the Merc a lot (especially the interior). But it's just not for me.

The f30 is probably one of the best 3 series designs in a long while. It will still look sporty and more youthful when compared to most of it's rivals, 10 or even 20 years form now. Although again, Merc has something interesting and very refreshing here. Nice job.

7 4 7 · 11-18-2013, 04:31 AM

Frankly i love the front, side & front 1/4 look.

The rear has been kinda not upto the mark especially the tail lights, which IMO are way too small.

Also do note this car is sporting the AMG styling package, the normal C will look less aggressive than this.

11-17-2013, 10:49 AM	#1
advantage20 Major 1872 Rep 1,230 Posts Drives: 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: France iTrader: (0)	2014 Mercedes C-Class (W205) vs 2012 BMW 3 Series (F30) vs 2013 Audi A4 (B8) Featured on BIMMERPOST.com Would me more fair with AMG Pack vs M Sport but I preferred doing a quick comparo with similar colors. If someone can add M Sport silver pics please do Last edited by advantage20; 11-20-2013 at 04:55 AM..
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11-17-2013, 10:52 AM	#2
turbolag is nonexistent with N/A 21 Rep 1,126 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: . iTrader: (0)	C from the from looks great, just like the S. It looks weird from the back, but I can get used to that. Depending on its driving characteristics, it may be a great car...better than the 3er. Right now, ATS, S60R, S4, and maybe this seems to all be above the 3er.
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11-17-2013, 11:21 AM	#3
X2 Monstah Captain 301 Rep 718 Posts Drives: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Fairfax, VA iTrader: (1)	The back of the MB doesn't quite fit with the front. Looks like they started with one car and finished with another. While the MB may look a little more "modern" that the BMW, the BMW has much smoother lines that fit together well. __________________ Mine: 2019 Mini Cooper S / Moonwalk Grey / Black Interior Wife's: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i / MSport X / Mediterrean Blue / Mocha Dakota Leather Previous: 2008 E92; 2014 F30; 2016 F30 M Sport; 2011 E82 (Man I miss the 1er!)
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11-17-2013, 12:00 PM	#4
ThaiBruin Captain 171 Rep 688 Posts Drives: F10 535i M-Sport Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Playa Vista, CA iTrader: (0)	Definitely gotta give the nod to the C. Overall, it's a very nice design inside and out. I will agree about the rear end. It looks like they mashed a CLA backend to an S class front end, and then smashed it down. __________________ 2014 Carbon Black 535i M Sport - Bootmod3 / M Performance Exhaust / Carbon Graphite Vorsteiner V-FF 103 / KW V2 *Retired*- 2013 MG 328i Sport Line 6MT - BMS Stage 1 / M Performance exhaust / M Performance steering wheel / M Performance shift knob/boot
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11-17-2013, 12:02 PM	#5
Pinkoboe Second Lieutenant 227 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 718 GTS 4.0 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0)	I generally like the exterior, with the exception of the back. It just looks droopy, sort of like it melted or something. The proportions also seem off, where the portion of the car behind the rear wheel is just too short. The back reminds of a Jaguar S-Type in a bad way. The interior looks absolutely gorgeous! The lack of a traditional shifter cleans up the cabin a bit but also makes it much less sporty.
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11-17-2013, 12:41 PM	#6
tdizzle Colonel 107 Rep 1,997 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Memphis iTrader: (0)	Back looks like a Kia. The car has good points but looks pieced together. I do like the interior though.
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11-17-2013, 01:03 PM	#7
rayg Private First Class 8 Rep 195 Posts Drives: 435i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (0)	The Mercedes looks great except for the hideous taillights. Also, the interior looks AWESOME.
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11-17-2013, 01:28 PM	#8
drob23 Lieutenant Colonel 50 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: S4 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Michigan iTrader: (1)	Always thought the C-Class was a great looking car. This one doesn't dissapoint, very elegant. For some reason, the rake on the C looks neutral...almost negative, not at all like current one. F30 has a much more aggressive rake and looks a lot more like a sports sedan. Maybe will have to wait till they show AMG body kit. The interior looks really nice, def nicer than the F30 but that isn't too surprising (please don't take this personally). My biggest problem with the Benz is the powertrain to compete with the 335/S4. Those NA V6's are silly slow. I wonder if they will finally make a blown 3.0L engine. The AMG's are ridiculous though, whole other level.
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11-17-2013, 01:31 PM	#9
KK328 Private First Class 14 Rep 148 Posts Drives: F30 328 gracier silver Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Egypt iTrader: (0)	Have to admit for this and the last C class MB r pushing their design boundaries. Overall they r trying to become younger and more sporty. I think they lost completely with the trunk but never the less they r trying. But I think ultimately the difference between a BMW and MB is, one is really a sports sedan I mean at the heart of it "with the hope they stop the electric steering" vs MB which is more for the sports looks but it's more of comfort and convenience. Off course I'm not talking about AMG. The mere fact that the new C class doesn't have shift stick talks a lot about the target consumer. Just my 2cents
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11-17-2013, 02:58 PM	#13
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 25055 Rep 22,281 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	Both of those examples leave more to be desired. I'd walk away from both.
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11-17-2013, 03:39 PM	#14
ybbiz34 Brigadier General 670 Rep 4,959 Posts Drives: 2023 330i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	I like the leather-stitched dash on the Merc. __________________ Current: '23 G20 M Sport 330i Current: '20 X253 GLC300 SUV Gone: '20 W205 C43 Sedan Gone: '18 W205 C43 Sedan Gone: '13 W204 C63 Sedan
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11-17-2013, 03:42 PM	#15
teaston Banned 10995 Rep 32,881 Posts Drives: X3 M40d Join Date: May 2012 Location: The High Seas iTrader: (1)	There is no comparison in my opinion, the c class looks horendous! It looks like a Hyundai or Kia! Definitely a Korean look to it. Front is bad but the rear is even worse! And what is that thing in place of the gear stick!?
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11-17-2013, 04:21 PM	#17
johndeere mhmmmm 136 Rep 633 Posts Drives: MS3X Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	I thought I was looking at the new E-class. The front between them look too similar to me. Last gen, there was a clear difference between the C and E classes, and now they look way too similar from the front.
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11-17-2013, 05:13 PM	#18
EHDEN Brigadier General 394 Rep 3,893 Posts Drives: 435i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 435i [7.00]	mbenz interior looks sick except for where they place the display. __________________
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11-17-2013, 05:23 PM	#19
RoundelM3 Major General 1835 Rep 6,990 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	As far as I'm concerned, the F30 wins hands-down. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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11-17-2013, 10:11 PM	#20
ep_83 Private First Class 29 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0T Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: FL, USA iTrader: (0)	The f30 just flows together so nicely. BMW just did such a great job with the body. Everything fits and nothing looks odd or out of place. From the front i like them both, but give the Benz a slight edge. From the side, its unquestionably the F30. From the back it's the F30 hands down. The MB is beautiful, but it doesn't flow well when you get to the back. As far as the interior, MB wins here by 1st round KO.
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11-18-2013, 04:22 AM	#21
Falafel Combo Banned 3773 Rep 6,673 Posts Drives: X5 xDrive50i Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (3)	I like the Merc a lot (especially the interior). But it's just not for me. The f30 is probably one of the best 3 series designs in a long while. It will still look sporty and more youthful when compared to most of it's rivals, 10 or even 20 years form now. Although again, Merc has something interesting and very refreshing here. Nice job.
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11-18-2013, 04:31 AM	#22
7 4 7 Private First Class 127 Rep 166 Posts Drives: E46 328i, F30 328i, G20 M340i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Mumbai iTrader: (0)	Frankly i love the front, side & front 1/4 look. The rear has been kinda not upto the mark especially the tail lights, which IMO are way too small. Also do note this car is sporting the AMG styling package, the normal C will look less aggressive than this. __________________ BMW F30 328i (A/T) \| Toyota Fortuner 4x4 (M/T) \| Toyota Hyryder Hybrid (e-CVT) \| BMW G20 M340i \| Skoda Kushaq (A/T) \| Kia Seltos (DCT) \| BMW E46 328i (M/T)
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