2021 BMW 3 Series vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
In comparing the 2021 BMW 3 Series's and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 BMW 3 Series's and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW 3 Series is a better car than the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
2021 BMW 3 Series vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Pricing
A used 2021 BMW 3 Series ranges from $28,354 to $51,499 while a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is priced between $27,255 to $43,255.
2021 BMW 3 Series vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 BMW 3 Series loses 52.3 percent of its value and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class loses 44.4 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class retains 7.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 BMW 3 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2021 BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class base engine makes 188 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. The A-Class is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 486 miles. This gives the 2021 BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The 2021 BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The 2021 BMW 3 Series has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$28,354 - $51,499
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
52.3%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$27,255 - $43,255
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
44.4%
BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW 3 Series Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
26 out of / 30Ranking
32 out of / 36Mercedes-Benz A-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 25Ranking
35 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 BMW 3 Series Trim Levels
330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Trim Levels
A 220, A 220 4MATIC, AMG A 35
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
188 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 36 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 562 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 36 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 486 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Safety Equipment
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
8.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3589 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
185.7 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3285 lbs
Width:
78.4 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
179.1 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R17