2022 G20 BMW 3 Series LCI vs W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Sporty or sensual?

BMW has just unveiled the refreshed 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series or in the Bavarian automaker’s terms, Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) this week. Unsurprisingly, comparisons between it and its northwestern rival from Stuttgart, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class also follow suit.

While the G20 has been given a refreshed look outside and (even more dramatically) inside, the C-Class is currently in its latest fifth generation. The W206 was launched in Malaysia in February 2022 with two variants offered between RM 288k and RM 331k.

That said, we won’t be getting the G20 LCI very soon so in this comparison, we will only compare the two compact executive sedans in a couple of categories – the exterior and interior.

Also read: 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series facelift (LCI) unveiled with a less controversial redesigned grille

Yes, this comparison is merely to see which is better through our retinas. There will be no comparisons over which drives better, or which is faster as those would need real-world testing.

However, we have reviewed the W206 C-Class so you can check out what we think of the “baby S-Class” here while we have also made a comparison between the facelift and the pre-facelift G20 as well.

Also read: Old vs New: Just how different the 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series LCI is from the pre-facelift?

Round 1 - Exterior

Without further ado, let’s hop onto this battle of the German executive sedans and we begin outside. Despite what people often say, you can’t help but judge a book based on a cover, and in the case of our Teutonic duo, it’s a battle of sleek versus sporty.

Compared to the pre-facelift, the refreshed G20 wears a more aggressive stance with a larger intake below its (thankfully) normal kidney grille. The W206, on the other hand, gives off a design that resembles the S-Class which is classy and elegant.

Also read: 20 photos proving the all-new 2022 W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a baby S-Class

Ditto the side profile with the Merc easily scoring more points for looking luxurious and befitting of the three-pointed star. In my opinion, this is the best-looking part of the C-Class which is saying something for the rest of the sedan.

The front looks droopy and down, like the rich eating cake ironically while contemplating why a country’s economy is stagnating. Despite the elegant appearance overall, another problem with the C-Class’ design is that it looks too similar to an S-Class, E-Class, or A-Class Sedan. Mercedes-Benz might be going for the Audi route when it comes to its exterior design.

Hence, despite all the aggressive tones added to the G20, we think that the Beemer wins this round. For all the flak BMW has been receiving on their recent launches, at least they looked distinct and are frankly easier to differentiate.

Also read: 20 photos to help you decide if the 2023 (G70) BMW 7 Series is forward-looking or just ugly

Round 2 – Interior

Step inside either the 3er or the C-Class and you’ll be greeted by what these manufacturers think is the future – screens. Granted, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have very different approaches to the arrangement of their tablets.

In the updated G20, both the driver instrument panel and the infotainment screen are seemingly merged to form one uninterrupted horizontal screen that stretches ¾ of the dashboard. Meanwhile, in the W206, both the driver instrument panel and the infotainment screen are separated with the latter sticking out like an iPad that’s been drilled into the dash.

Both sedans have eliminated the functional buttons and knobs to adjust the climate control which is now relegated to the infotainment screens. While that sound like a bummer, we think it’s the boys from Stuttgart that win on the interior front.

The vertical screen in the C-Class resembles a smartphone, which it feel more natural to adjust the cabin temperature or even to access other functions compared to a gargantuan horizontal screen.

However, the expectedly biggest issue in the G20 LCI’s interior lies in the middle. BMW has swapped out the conventional gearshifter for a little toggle switch which might seem cool in the design studio but could pose an issue later on.

At least, the gear stalk on the C-Class is a bit more straightforward and visible. Ergonomics on German cars might not be the best (ahem, Golf Mk8), but when it comes to the package in these two long-running rivals, Munich is taking the L.

In the end, it’s a tie between the two Teutonic compact executive sedans. The W206 C-Class might have an elegant albeit similar design to its 4-door stablemates but it has a better interior layout.

Also read: Review: 2022 (W206) Mercedes-Benz C-Class – More than just the badge, comfort is back!

Meanwhile, the G20 3 Series has a very aggressive but distinct exterior to complement its position as the “ultimate driving machine” but inside, you might be cursing out at the ergonomics. There’s no real winner for now between the two but the pre-facelift G20 has one advantage over its Stuttgart rival; the base 320i is nearly RM 40k cheaper than the base C200.

Also read: 2022 W206 Mercedes-Benz C200 vs G20 BMW 320i: Which compact executive to pick?