Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. BMW i4
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW i4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW i4.
In comparing the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the BMW i4's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. The BMW i4 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the BMW i4's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a better car than the BMW i4.
Pricing: A used 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranges from $46,801 to $62,210 while a used 2024 BMW i4 is priced between $48,075 to $75,472. For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's price is between $49,176 and $64,214, with the BMW i4 priced between $54,795 and $77,602.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 47.9 percent of its value and the BMW i4 loses 61.5 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz C-Class retains 13.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW i4.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the BMW i4 base engine makes 281 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The BMW i4, a electric compact car, has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$49,176 - $64,214
Starting MSRP:
$46,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$54,795 - $77,602
Starting MSRP:
$52,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$47,030
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$38,990 - $52,200
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$52,934
Price Range:
$46,801 - $62,210
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3,053
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,007
# Good or Great Deals:
480
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$62,096
Price Range:
$48,075 - $75,472
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$60,093
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
$58,090 - $62,096
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
603
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
4,740
# Good or Great Deals:
137
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$22,866
Depreciation %:
48.7%
Resale Value $:
$24,084
Residual Value %:
51.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$33,237
Depreciation %:
63.7%
Resale Value $:
$18,963
Residual Value %:
36.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
48.4%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
48.3% - 63.7%
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
BMW i4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.6%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i4
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
9.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Electric Compact Cars)
1.5 - 127.5
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
32 out of / 36BMW i4 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
12 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Ranking
16 out of / 26Ranking
19 out of / 26Ranking
23 out of / 26Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels
AMG C 43, C 300, C 300 4MATIC
BMW i4 Trim Levels
eDrive35 Gran Coupe, eDrive40 Gran Coupe, M50 Gran Coupe, xDrive40 Gran Coupe
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
281 hp
Torque:
295 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 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):
Not yet available
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
256 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
67 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
8 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3825 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
3.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4553 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
57 inches
Length:
188.5 inches
Wheelbase:
112.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/50R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Starling Blue Metallic / Twilight Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno / Selenite Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey II Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Green
San Remo Green Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Sienna Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey
Red
Power Red/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Tacora Red
