2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$49,650 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary specification divergence between the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (car1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (car2) is cargo volume, where the BMW offers 16.6 cu ft compared to the Mercedes' 11.6 cu ft, a notable 5.0 cu ft advantage. Pricing is identical, both starting at an MSRP of $49,650, and powertrain performance metrics are a statistical tie, with both vehicles producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency sees the BMW lead slightly, achieving a 30 MPG combined versus the C-Class's 29 MPG combined, although both mandate premium unleaded fuel. Dimensional differences show the Mercedes is 1.5 inches shorter in length (187.0 vs 188.5 inches) but 1.5 inches wider (74.4 vs 72.9 inches). The BMW utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission while the Mercedes employs a 9-speed unit, suggesting a potential variation in low-speed smoothness or highway cruising efficiency, though the MPG gap is minimal.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The 4 Series Gran Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG versus the C-Class's 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

With 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 11.6 cu ft, the 4 Series Gran Coupe offers significantly more practical space for family use.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes C-Class's 9-speed transmission provides an extra gear over the BMW's 8-speed, suggesting potentially sharper acceleration sequencing.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

Both vehicles share the exact same $49,650 MSRP and identical horsepower ratings, making the 4 Series Gran Coupe the better value due to better fuel economy and greater cargo volume.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

You prioritize maximum usable cargo space, as the 16.6 cu ft capacity outperforms the competitor by 5.0 cu ft.
You seek marginally better running costs with a combined EPA rating of 30 MPG.
You prefer the slightly longer wheelbase feel implied by the 188.5-inch overall length.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if...

You prefer a drivetrain utilizing a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over an 8-speed unit.
You desire the slightly more compact exterior dimensions in overall length (187.0 inches).
You prefer the marginally wider stance of 74.4 inches, potentially aiding cornering stability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Length	188.5"	187.0"
Width	72.9"	74.4"
Height	56.8"	56.6"
Wheelbase	112.4"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/35 MPG	25/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	421.2/546.0 mi.	435.0/609.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	5
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	55.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.5 in
Tire Size	245/45R H	245/40R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Which vehicle offers better practicality for carrying luggage or groceries?

The 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the superior choice for utility, providing 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is substantially more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is rated at only 11.6 cu ft.

Are there significant performance differences between the two sedans?

No, the performance metrics are nearly identical on paper. Both models generate 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The functional difference will come from the transmission: car1 has an 8-speed automatic, while car2 uses a 9-speed automatic.

How do the base MSRPs compare for these two competitors?

Both the 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class start at an identical base MSRP of $49,650, resulting in a direct price match for the entry-level RWD configurations.

Which car is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe shows a minor edge in efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined (27 city/35 highway). The Mercedes C-Class is rated at 29 MPG combined (25 city/35 highway).

Do both models require premium fuel?

Yes, according to the provided specifications, both the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.

How do their exterior dimensions stack up against each other?

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is 1.5 inches longer at 188.5 inches, but the Mercedes C-Class is 1.5 inches wider at 74.4 inches, making the Benz slightly shorter but broader.