2023 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, particularly the S 580e plug-in hybrid, continued to impress with its elegant design and luxurious interior. The exterior maintained its calm sophistication with clean lines and a sculpted front end, enhanced by optional high-gloss black trim and 20-inch AMG wheels. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with our tester featuring Sienna Brown and Black leather. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish added to the luxury experience, while the soft headrests provided exceptional comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 3 Series, refreshed for the model year, retained its sporty appeal with subtle exterior design modifications. The narrow kidney grille and redesigned full-LED headlights contributed to its athletic look, while the standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys and optional 19-inch wheels added a touch of flair. Inside, the 3 Series featured the new BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8, offering a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard. The M Sport package added performance-oriented touches like an M leather steering wheel and Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite interior finish.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and electric motor, delivering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It offered an impressive 56 miles of all-electric range and achieved 53.9 mpg during testing. The S 580e accelerated from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, matching the performance of the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear shifts, while the air suspension ensured a smooth ride. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, making the S-Class feel smaller than its size.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains, including a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its electric assist, offered 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 5.6-second 0-60 mph time and 22 miles of electric range. The M340i, with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, accelerated to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The 3 Series provided a balanced driving experience, with precise steering and a comfortable suspension.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and power sunshades. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors, and the Energizing Comfort wellness program combined various interior features for a mood-boosting experience. However, the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, less than the standard S-Class and competitors like the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a comfortable interior with ample headroom and legroom for average-sized adults. The SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered good support, while the leather steering wheel provided excellent grip. The 3 Series featured standard cargo capacity of 17 cubic feet, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split for added versatility. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel and remote start.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a native navigation system with augmented reality, and a variety of games for entertainment. The Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality, while wireless charging and USB-C ports ensured connectivity.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the iDrive 8 system with a curved display, combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Optional upgrades included wireless charging, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a 5G hotspot.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, while Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist provided additional safety. The S-Class had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA, with the 2022 model earning a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. The Driving Assistance Package added features like active blind spot detection and lane-departure warning, while the Driving Assistance Professional Package offered semi-autonomous driving systems.