VS
At a Glance
Power
473hp @ 6250
577hp @ 5800
Torque
406lb-ft @ 2650
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 473hp @ 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 $78,400 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 M3Sedan 2026 - From $78,400
Mercedes-Benz E-ClassAMG E 53 E 4MATIC+ Sedan 2026 - From $63,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
473hp @ 6250
577hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
406lb-ft @ 2650
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
Manual
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Rear 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)
3840lbs
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
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 473hp @ 6250 and 406lb-ft @ 2650 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 $78,400 and the E-Class from $63,900. The E-Class is cheaper by $14,500 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