BMW 2 series/3 series/ Merc C-class

Pudney · 17 May 2016 at 19:35

I'm currently looking at potential new replacements for my current company car (2015 Ford Focus 1.5 Ecoboost) and have been given the option of a "BMW 3-series, Merc C-class or equivalent". I'm currently considering my options under this requirement (see thread title for my first instincts!) and want to go test drive a few cars this weekend.

Before I do the test drives I just wondered what people's opinions are/suggestions of cars in this class/price range. I don't have a budget to work towards but given it will be a BIK I'll be aiming for a low CO2 emission version.

My personal requirements are relatively quick (e.g. Focus is c.8 seconds 0-60), so ideally slightly faster. The 220d seems to work well in this regard as its slightly quicker and slightly lower CO2 than the current Focus.

I also like toys toys toys (Focus is Titanium X). One of my favourite aspects of the Focus is the centre console and integrated touch screen controls - they are well designed and nice to use. I have slight reservations about the C-class as I think the touch screen in that looks like they glued a tablet onto the dashboard (if my memory on the C-class is right), but I can see that better when I go look on Saturday.

I have no kids so don't need to worry about things like that. I have an inherent preference for hatchbacks, but given the fact I'm considering coupes and saloons it's obviously not a deal breaker!

Also, I have no clue about trim levels for BMWs/Mercs. The brochures I've looked at are good at telling you what options there are, but poor at telling you about different trim levels. For my ease I'd probably just try and get the highest trim level (if that exists), but what they call it who knows!

So opening the floor to suggestions, what are good cars to try and test drive on Saturday given the above? I'm highly likely to go for BMW/Merc/Audi this time around just because I can, but any other good competitors I should look at?

As a final note - don't worry about the tax implications, I'm fine with that

[TW]Fox · 17 May 2016 at 19:39

The C Class is probably a better car than the 3 Series now - it's nicer inside by quite some margin. However the engine and infotainment systems on the 3 Series are better than those in the C Class.

I'd look at both and see what you think. If the 4 Series is an option it makes a good company car as most of the options are standard. The trim level on the 3 Series doesn't add kit, it mostly adds bling - an M Sport will comes with the crap satnav, reflector halogen headlights, etc.

blun · 17 May 2016 at 20:03

3 series M Sport comes with LED headlights now. Still the rubbish nav though.

tom_nieto · 17 May 2016 at 20:05

The new C class coupe looks very nice, is this something that you can consider along with the saloon?

Tinders · 17 May 2016 at 20:21

The base 2.1 diesel engine in the C Class is showing its age now, quite an unrefined lump.

My money would be on a Jag XE or the BMW 330e if any of those are attainable ?

Pudney · 17 May 2016 at 22:35

[TW]Fox;29509381 said:
The C Class is probably a better car than the 3 Series now - it's nicer inside by quite some margin. However the engine and infotainment systems on the 3 Series are better than those in the C Class.

I'd look at both and see what you think. If the 4 Series is an option it makes a good company car as most of the options are standard. The trim level on the 3 Series doesn't add kit, it mostly adds bling - an M Sport will comes with the crap satnav, reflector halogen headlights, etc.

blun said:
3 series M Sport comes with LED headlights now. Still the rubbish nav though.

How crap is crap? I've gotten used to Ford's satnav and that isn't great either.

4 series is a good shout though, will keep the BMW garage busy with me as well.

tom_nieto said:
The new C class coupe looks very nice, is this something that you can consider along with the saloon?

I prefer coupes, so will add the C class coupe!

Tinders said:
The base 2.1 diesel engine in the C Class is showing its age now, quite an unrefined lump.

My money would be on a Jag XE or the BMW 330e if any of those are attainable ?

330e looks an interesting choice. Never driven a hybrid as well. Two more to my list! Attainability will be the key though, planning on sending to the boss to get an estimate of cost after this weekend. Then I can see what he thinks is acceptable as well.

Thanks all for the suggestions so far.

Tinders · 18 May 2016 at 07:07

The 330e is essentially the the 320d petrol with the hybrid nonsense stuck on, best bit is the uber low company car tax aswell as the govt grant, its a no brainer if you can get one imo

I'd have had one in heartbeat if they did an estate version.

p1RATE · 18 May 2016 at 07:18

I would personally for for the C-Class. I had a 320d before with a speced out interior but i would still prefer the merc. The one i had came with the 185hp 2ltr diesel which wasn't too bad but i wouldn't call it a quick car.

kitkat9933 · 18 May 2016 at 09:19

I have the merc and I love it, my only niggle is the 'stuck on ipad' which ruins the aesthetics. It however, was more comfortable, better looking inside and outside and had much more technology/toys.