2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 3 Series vs Volvo S60 vs Audi A4 Comparison Review: Executive Decision

Premium executive sedans have come a long way. It started out as affordable cars which were then modified to be slightly fancier and feature more luxury. In an age of high-riding SUVs, the three-box vehicle has created a niche for itself, especially in India where you are undeniably spoilt for choices.  You have the BMW 3 Series which is more sport-inclined, the A4 from the brand with the four rings for its enjoyable driving experience, and the S60 is synonyms with its high safety standards. Then there's also the new C-Class, which is undoubtedly Mercedes-Benz's most important model in the country. Now, if you have about Rs. 50 lakh to spend on one of these premium executive sedans, then which one should it be? Well, that's exactly why we are here today to help you make this decision.

Exterior

A great premium executive sedan must be both luxurious and sporty not to mention it must be good-looking. The Volvo S60 impresses us with its quintessential European look that is both sophisticated and stylish. A beautiful hood, the familial Volvo grille, sleek LED headlights, and Volvo's signature Thor's hammer LED DRLs, what's not to like? The C-Class with its edgy and aggressive face, sharper bumper, and that stimulating star-studded front grille, maintains a style that chauffeured owners can't ignore.

A great premium executive sedan must be both luxurious and sporty not to mention it must be good-looking.
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

The A4 is the same old fifth-gen model underneath but doesn't come off as outdated. Its brawnier nose, angrier eyes, and multiple creases on its body make it very striking.  And if you want a sports sedan in its truest form, then the 330Li M Sport will satisfy your proverbial taste buds. It is aggressive yet attractive and is the longest in the segment yet exudes that posh saloon feels.

Design is, of course, subjective, and many would have their own valuations. 
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

Now, design is, of course, subjective, and many have their own valuations but all these cars, irrespective of the badges look splendid in the rear-view mirror but for us, it's the S60 that has our hearts pulsating.

For us, it's the Volvo S60 that has our hearts pulsating.
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

Tech & Interior

While speaking of Rs. 50 lakh cars it is utterly important to be as beautiful and swanky on the outside as on the inside and all these cars are a representation of just that. The cockpit of the S60 leaves a lasting imprint. The White and Beige theme is nicely done, the fit and finish are top-notch, and the 9-inch Sensus touchscreen is crisp, responsive, and controls all the features inside the cabin. But is not the most convenient to use while driving. The white Nappa Leather upholstery looks beautiful but could be difficult to maintain. The front seats are excellent offering unparalleled coziness.

While speaking of Rs. 50 lakh cars it is utterly important to be as beautiful and swanky on the outside as on the inside and all these cars are a representation of just that.
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

The cabin of the C-Class is all about luxury. The new generation model gets a new Avant-Garde layout. Everything is knitted for sophistication. The 11.9-inch vertical centre screen is generous and houses all in-car controls. The 12.3-inch instrument panel is fancy and customisable. The steering touch-pad controls are flush and work well with a flick of a finger. The materials used look fabulous. Upholstery is very rich, but seats miss out on ventilation.

All cars get an electric sunroof, but we were impressed with the glass panes on the 3GL (top-left) and the C-Class (bottom right).
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

The cabin of the A4 might not excite you and some might even feel that it is the least impressive. But there are a few notable elements. The 10.1-inch touchscreen still looks fresh. Feel is very perceptible, and very easy to use. It gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unlike the S60 and the C-Class, the temperature here is controlled via a rotary knob. Other creature comforts are also button oriented. But the A4 is equally premium in line with what you expect from a car in this segment.

The BMW 330Li M Sport (top-left) has the biggest boot in the segment. 
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

The cabin of the 3 Series Gran Limousine M Sport is very well finished. Ambient lighting on the rear door trim is a nice touch. The latest generation of the BMW iDrive 7.0 interface works well on the 12.3-inch touchscreen. Material quality is admirable with the smart usage of plastic, leather, and metal. The rear AC vents with easy controls would make anyone at the back happy! You also get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree camera. Quite tech-laden!

Ambient lighting on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C200 is the best in the segment. 
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

Rear Seat Space

But most customers would opt to be driven in these cars rather than drive them for the most part of the day that is.

If rear space comfort is your priority, look no further than the 3 GL. The rear doors are 110 mm longer than the regular 3 Series means getting in and out is easy. Thanks to its stretched footprint, the 3GL has a more spacious back seat than the rest. The legroom is ample, the headrest and central armrest make things comfortable, and 480-litre of boot space is not a compromise.

If rear space comfort is your priority, look no further than the BMW 330Li M Sport (top left).
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

The other three are undoubtedly spacious, get automatic climate control, individual charging ports, and the works, but the 3GL is a bang for the buck.

Engine/ Gearbox

We drove all the cars back-to-back and were pleased with the variety of drives each car offered.

The A4 is powered by a 2.0-litre 40 TFSI unit developing 188 bhp and 320 Nm. Now, this unit may feel low on power but that doesn't make the car sluggish. Of course, it's no rocket ship but it won't slack behind either. Despite the initial bottom-end lag, the A4 is quick. Engine refinement is impressive and the quick-shifting DCT is very alert. Under hard acceleration though, you might find yourself asking for more. But in comes the paddle shifters to your rescue and make the drive enjoyable.

The BMW 330Li M Sport is the most authoritative and the fastest car here.
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

Volvo's 2.0-litre engine is the most relaxed in this segment. It has the same output as the A4 but unlike the Audi power delivery here is more linear with hardly any sense of urgency. Which is not at all bad but won't satisfy the enthusiast inside you. The 8-speed torque converter is smooth shifting and prioritises comfort.

The C200 has the smallest unit in this segment but packs in enough punch, even more than the S60 and the A4. The low-end torque is noticeable and is quite up for the job irrespective of what you throw at it. It will hold up to varying speeds well and tours just as happily as it commutes, the mild-hybrid system also has a huge role to play here. The 9-speed automatic is excellent and is flawless in Normal Mode. If you want more from the engine, then switch to either Sport or Sport+ drive modes. The C200 is smooth, quiet, comfortable, and easy. Just the way it should be.

The BMW 330Li M Sport's (top left) 8-speed torque converter is a mind reader and always keeps you in the right gear.
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

The moment you accelerate the 3GL M Sport, you know, it's game on. With 255 bhp and 400 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor, the 3GL is the most authoritative and the fastest car here. The four-cylinder unit is free-revving and offers a sizzling performance. Not to mention, that the refinement levels are class-leading, and the shifts are silky smooth. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes sharper, and the gearbox becomes more alert. Not that it's necessarily needed because the 3's 8-speed torque converter, is a mind reader and always keeps you in the right gear. No matter what!

Fuel Efficiency

And if efficiency is what you're looking for, then the A4 will impress you with its claimed figure of 17.42 kmpl closely followed by the latest C200 thanks to the 48V mild hybrid system. Volvo's S60 is the least efficient petrol offering in this segment, while the BMW isn't quite the drinker you would take it to be.

Ride & Handling

The Volvo S60 sits on a firm suspension but that doesn't translate into an exciting experience. Its corner-carving skills aren't top-notch and if pushed hard then the massive 1,700 kg machine displays quite a bit of body roll. There's an evident vibration felt across the cabin at low speeds, something you won't appreciate from the rear seats but quickly settles down once the car picks up speed.

There's an evident vibration felt across the cabin of the Volvo S60 at low speeds, something you won't appreciate from the rear seats. 
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

The Audi A4 has a sharp contrast in its handling compared to the S60. Steering is more direct and even turns quickly, be it in traffic or on corners. Body roll is negligible and will always inspire you with its nimble and supple ride quality. Be it from the front or at the rear.

Steering is more direct on the Audi A4 and even turns quickly, be it in traffic or on corners.
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is probably the most sorted car in this segment. It has phenomenal control over undulating roads. Steering is quick, direct and in tighter corners, it hurls itself with poise. And the rear-wheel-drive set-up helps you enjoy corners even more. But better brakes would've further enhanced that experience.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is probably the most sorted car in this segment.
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

Leaving everyone behind is the 3GL, again, with its sharp steering, precise handling on corners and the rear-wheel-drive set-up only makes it enjoyable. Not to mention the grin it leaves on you for the rest of the day.

BMW 330Li M Sport with its sharp steering, precise handling on corners, and the rear-wheel-drive set-up makes the drive enjoyable.
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

Verdict

Now, for the all-important executive decision. All the cars are a dominating force. So, picking one was always going to be hard. But for the sake of being objective, let's wind back quickly. In terms of design, the answer is straightforward, it is the Volvo S60 for us. In overall cabin feel, although all the cars are equally luxurious, offer ample space, and are loaded with tech, we feel both the C-Class and the 3 Series GL M Sport are worthy of this honour. In terms of overall engine refinement, gearbox response, ride & handling; there's no better choice than the 3 GL. But everything boils down to the pricing.

The Audi A4 and the Volvo S60 are both great products, no doubt.
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

The Audi A4 and the Volvo S60 are both great products, no doubt. The S60 comes in a single petrol variant while the A4 has a base Premium trim which is equally knitted and a fully loaded, top-spec Technology trim but they don't tick all the boxes for a customer who's probably stepping into the luxury space for the very first time. And so, it really comes down to these two- the 3 GL and the C200. On one side, you have the perfect driver's car, it's the most spacious, most engaging, and combines sportiness and luxury masterfully. You also get a diesel to choose from which is closely priced to its petrol sibling.

The BMW 330 Li M Sport is the perfect driver's car, is the most spacious, most engaging, and combines sportiness and luxury masterfully. 
Photo Credit: Apoorv Choudhary

On the other hand, we have the latest C-Class. It has everything that you would want from a new car and will even stand out when you drive into your high-rise apartment or even when you step out for a social outing. But everything that you need is concentrated at the front not particularly helpful if you would be chauffeured around. It's a well-rounded product no doubt, but the high price tag it carries doesn't really justify what it offers. And that's where the 3GL makes a case for itself and rightly so, wins this showdown of the executive class!