Model Year | 2011 | 2009 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Mercedes-Benz M-Class | |
Engine | turbocharged 3.0L I6 Diesel DOHC-4v 265 hp@4200 425 lb-ft@1750 |
turbocharged 3.0L V6 Diesel DOHC-4v 210 hp@3800 398 lb-ft@1600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,761 mm | 2,913 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,526 mm | 4,788 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,816 mm | 1,910 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,417 mm | 1,781 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,790 kg | 2,185 kg | -1 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 60 L | 95 L | -35 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 978 mm | 1,013 mm | 977 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,407 mm | 1,521 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0 mm | 1,420 mm | -1 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,054 mm | 1,072 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 965 mm | 1,011 mm | 964 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,400 mm | 1,519 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0 mm | 1,427 mm | -1 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 879 mm | 1,016 mm | 878 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,933 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,088 mm (over 2 rows) | -1 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 702 L | 833 L | -131 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 1,642 L | 2,050 L | -1 L |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Another surprising strength for the new BMW 3-Series. There's more room in back than in competing cars, and the seat is comfortably positioned and shaped. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Bottom seat cushions are long enough for taller drivers. Padding is not too firm or too soft. Excellent support and an upright, easy-chair seating position, instead of having to extend your legs horizontally to get legroom. Results in no low back pain. see full Mercedes-Benz M-Class review |
2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
very still and uncomfortable for long drives see full Mercedes-Benz M-Class review |