VS
At a Glance
Power
523hp @ 6250
577hp @ 5800
Torque
479lb-ft @ 2750
553lb-ft
Fuel
20 mpg est.
24 MPG Combined / 43 Range
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW M3 delivers 523hp @ 6250 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 577hp @ 5800. On fuel, the M3 returns 20 mpg est. while the E-Class uses 24 MPG Combined / 43 Range — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $87,700 for the M3 and $63,900 for the E-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW M3Competition xDrive Sedan 2026 - From $87,700
Mercedes-Benz E-ClassAMG E 53 E 4MATIC+ Sedan 2026 - From $63,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
523hp @ 6250
577hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
479lb-ft @ 2750
553lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
Inline
Inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Plug-In Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
24 MPG Combined / 43 Range
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
15.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189.1in
194.9in
Width (in)
74.3in
73.7in
Height (in)
56.6in
57.9in
Wheelbase (in)
112.5in
116.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3990lbs
4291lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
E-Class
Fuel Economy
E-Class
Value
E-Class
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW M3
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Lower starting price ($63,900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M3 or E-Class?
The M3 gets 20 mpg est. and the E-Class gets 24 MPG Combined / 43 Range on the combined cycle. The E-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the M3 or E-Class?
The M3 produces 523hp @ 6250 and 479lb-ft @ 2750 of torque while the E-Class delivers 577hp @ 5800 and 553lb-ft of torque. The E-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M3 and E-Class?
The M3 starts from $87,700 and the E-Class from $63,900. The E-Class is cheaper by $23,800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the M3 or the E-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider