Mercedes C-Class vs BMW 3-Series

Mercedes is famous for the sheer depth of its model line-up. At the last count, it sells 18 different models in the UK – 20 if you include the SLR and SLR Roadster supercars.

However, given the firm’s habit of plugging every niche several times over, it may surprise you to learn that its first compact estate was only launched 12 years ago. By that time, BMW had a headstart with its 3-Series Touring, which was first seen in 1989.

Even so, this is still a relatively young sector – 20 years ago, the small premium load-lugger was nothing more than a sketch on a designer’s drawing board. And even today, the cars occupy a slightly odd position in the market.

These are lifestyle estates, where outright space isn’t crucially important. What’s key is that the car conveys the impression that you lead an active outdoors existence – preferably with weekends spent kite surfing, rock climbing or mountain biking. And bearing that in mind, it’s worth recording that while Mercedes claims its new C-Class Estate has the biggest load bay, heaviest payload and greatest towing weight in the sector, its maximum carrying capacity is bettered by the firm’s A-Class and B-Class hatchbacks.

Nevertheless, we think the new C-Class is a cracking compact executive. And provided Mercedes hasn’t mucked up the formula completely for the Estate, it should make this a very closely fought twin test with the BMW 3-Series Touring.