Model Year | 2011 | 2014 | |
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 240 hp@3600 455 lb-ft@1600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.7 in | 114.8 in | -6.1 in |
Length | 178.2 in | 189.1 in | -10.9 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 75.2 in | -3.7 in |
Height | 55.8 in | 70.7 in | -14.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3947 lb. | 5038 lb. | -1091 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 24.6 gal. | -8.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.5 in | 38.9 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 58.5 in | -3.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.5 in | 40.3 in | 1.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 38.5 in | -0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 58.4 in | -3.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 38.4 in | -3.8 in |
Total Legroom | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 78.7 in (over 2 rows) | -2.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 24.8 ft3 | 36.2 ft3 | -11.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 58.0 ft3 | 71.0 ft3 | -13 ft3 |
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 |
2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
No more back or leg pain on long trips. see full Mercedes-Benz M-Class review |