Although it may seem that many shoppers have given up on low-hung roof four-door sedans in favor of SUVs, the compact luxury sedan class is still as much appealing as ever.
If you got your eyes on leasing a compact luxury sedan, the Mercedes Benz and the BMW brands offer the best options. Of course, there are many other options in the segment, but these two German machines—the Mercedes C Class and BMW 3 series, easily shine brighter in the class than others.
The Mercedes Benz C Class and the BMW 3 series, for decades, have been top contenders in the class. No doubt, these two are the finest option you can get in the segment, but which offers a better lease deal? Should you lease the 2022 BMW 3 series, or is leasing the 2022 Mercedes Benz C Class a better deal?
What’s New?
Long ago, before the CLA happened, the C-Class was the entry-level into the Mercedes Benz lineup. But this has changed since 2014. The C-Class is still a luxury car, much more like a small package of the super luxurious S-Class with more affordable pricing.
For 2022, the C-Class is stepping up its game, coming with a complete redesign—more elegant styling, more refined cabin, more state-of-the-art tech features, improved comfort, and enhanced powertrain for fuel-efficiency. The 2022 model year will also mark the beginning of the Mercedes C-Class fifth generation. We can’t expect less from the famous German brand, considering it has been over six years since the C-Class got a ground-up redesign.
Even though the C-Class promises to come with fresher styling, it isn’t much of a departure from the 2021 model year. Some of the highlights of the newly redesigned C-Class includes a fresher and sleeker exterior styling, more tech features (including the Next-gen MBUX infotainment system, 11.9-inch central touchscreen, and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster), an enhanced driver-assist package, and a mild hybrid tech system for improved performance and better fuel economy numbers.
On the other hand, the BMW 3 series is one of the best cars to lease in its class. For the 2022 model year, unlike the C-Class, the 2022 BMW 3 series makes its way to the 2022 BMW lineup with no significant changes. This compact luxury sedan is still very appealing, despite not coming with many changes. BMW has made some slight adjustments in the 2022 3 series. All models of the 2022 3 series now come standard with a digital gauge display. Other minor updates include option and package reshuffling. The 330e models now afford ambient interior lighting, LED headlights, upgraded Bluetooth, and a powered liftgate. Ambient interior lighting and wireless charger are now longer standalone options in the base 3 series models. At the same time, the laser LED adaptive headlights are now standalone options.
Powertrain & Transmission
The BMW 3 series and the Mercedes C Class have similar engines but different transmissions. Mercedes offers a single engine in the 2022 C-Class. Still, if you want more powertrain options, you should consider leasing the 2022 BMW 3 series as BMW offers three different powertrains in the 2022 3 series.
The redesigned 2022 C-Class is powered by the familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, but this time, it comes with a 48-volt hybrid system that pushes it to make an extra 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. This enhanced powertrain sends power through the rear wheels or all four wheels.
All 2022 BMW 3 series come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission (except for the M3 models) that sends power through the RWD or AWD (xDrive). There are three powertrain options in the 2022 3 series.
The base model, the 330i, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that coughs out 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This provides nearly the same torque and power with the C-Class, if not for the new mild hybrid system.
If you need more power and torque than this, you should definitely consider leasing the M340i with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 385 ponies and 369 pound-feet.
Handling & Performance
One of the outstanding qualities of the BMW 3 series lies in its performance. The 3 series is called a compact luxury sports sedan for all the right reasons. If you want to lease an athletic luxury compact sedan, the 2022 BMW 330i xDrive lease deal offers just that.
The 2022 BMW 330i dashes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds with the RWD and 5.5 seconds AWD. On the other hand, Mercedes claims that the 2022 C300 will hit 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
Regardless of the engine you choose to go with in the 2022 33 series, you can count on getting smooth and zippy acceleration, outstanding body control, and a confident braking system. The Mercedes C-Class also delivers a calm and composed ride with sharp steering.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 C-Class got an EPA estimated rating of 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, but with the new mild hybrid system, we expect something better with the 2022 C-Class—probably the same rating with the 2022 C300 or slightly better.
The BMW C300 earns an EPA estimated 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Interior, Cargo
While the 2022 BMW 3 series edges its close rivals by being a more fun-to-drive option, the inside is not as great as that of a Mercedes, as the Mercedes C-Class prioritizes comfort and interior quality. Both cars look great inside, with spectacular styling and jaw-dropping designs, but you can only get the nicest cabin in the class when you lease the 2022 Mercedes C300 that affords the nicest cabin in the class.
The Mercedes C-Class is a mirror of the S-Class. However, it lacks the S-Class’s space, comfort level, and some fancy tech amenities. Notwithstanding, the C-Class offers more tech and luxurious niceties than the 3 series.
Although Mercedes has improved on the C-class second-row space and cargo hold, the 2022 3 series still offers a roomier second row and more cargo hold than the C-Class.
In the luxury compact sedan class, the 2022 BMW 3 series and the 2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class set the standard and afford everything that any shopper would ask of in a small luxury sedan. To lease any of these at the best bargain, contact VIP Auto, 1204 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305 https://viplease.com/.
