BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

How does the BMW 3 Series stack up against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class? We put their headline specs side by side so you can see exactly where each car leads.

BMW 3 SeriesBMW 3 Series
vs
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class
SpecBMW 3 SeriesMercedes-Benz S-Class
Horsepower (max)550 hp791 hp
0-100 km/h (fastest)3.4 s3.3 s
Top speed302 km/h290 km/h
Variants85
Body styleSedanFull-size luxury sedan
GenerationG20W223 / V223
Production2019 – present2020 – present
Length4,713 mm5,289 mm
Width1,827 mm1,921 mm
Height1,435 mm1,503 mm
Wheelbase2,851 mm3,216 mm

BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class: common questions

Is the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class faster?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is quicker, hitting 0-60 mph in 3.1s versus the BMW 3 Series's 3.2s (0-100 km/h in 3.3s vs 3.4s).
Which has more horsepower, the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class makes more power: 791 hp (590 kW) versus 550 hp (410 kW) for the BMW 3 Series.
Is the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class faster on top speed?
The BMW 3 Series has the higher top speed at 188 mph (302 km/h), versus 180 mph (290 km/h) for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
What is the main difference between the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The BMW 3 Series is a sedan, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a full-size luxury sedan. That difference in body style drives most of the others.