2024
See BMW 3 Series for saleBMW 3 Series
From AED 275,000
BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Which Should You Buy in UAE?
A complete comparison of the BMW 3 Series VS Mercedes-Benz S-Class — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.
2024
See Mercedes-Benz S-Class for saleMercedes-Benz S-Class
From AED 858,900
BMW 3 Series VS Mercedes-Benz S-Class: the verdict
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class emerges as the ultimate winner for buyers prioritizing unparalleled luxury, cutting-edge technology, and supreme comfort in the UAE. However, for those seeking a more engaging, agile, and significantly more affordable premium driving experience, the BMW 3 Series offers an exceptional balance of sportiness and everyday usability.
| #1 BMW 3 Series#1 | #2 Mercedes-Benz S-Class#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 245,000 – 315,000 AED | 701,900 – 858,900 AED |
| Engine & Power | ||
| Engine | 1,998 – 2,998 cc · 4 – 6 cyl | 2,999 – 3,982 cc · 6 – 8 cyl |
| Horsepower (bhp) | 184 – 374 hp | 367 – 503 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 300 – 500 Nm | 500 – 700 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec) | 4.4 – 7.1 s | 4.4 – 5.1 s |
| Top Speed (Km/h) | 240 – 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 Km) | 5.5 – 7.3 L/100km | 7.8 – 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 – 76 L |
| Gears | 8 | 9 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Measurements | ||
| L×W×H | 4.6 / 4.7 m × 1.8 / 1.8 m × 1.4 / 1.4 m | 5.3 m × 1.9 / 2.1 m × 1.5 m |
| Wheelbase (meters) | 2.8 / 2.9 m | 3.1 / 3.2 m |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,450 – 1,670 kg | 1,940 – 2,115 kg |
| Trunk Capacity (liters) | 480 L | 535 – 550 L |
| Overview | ||
| Body Style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Seating Capacity | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Features | ||
| Key features | 12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPaddle ShiftersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVentilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim | 12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAll-Wheel SteeringAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrake CalipersBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDigital ClockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDVDDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent Emergency CallIntelligent KeyInternet ConnectivityiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMagnesium Paddle ShiftersMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSide Impact BarSilver TrimSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTailgate with HatchTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim |
Which one should you buy?
1
Best for Value & Sportiness
The BMW 3 Series offers a compelling package for drivers who prioritize engaging dynamics and a premium badge without the S-Class's hefty price tag, starting from 245,000 AED.
2
Best for Ultimate Luxury
For those demanding the pinnacle of automotive luxury, comfort, and advanced features, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is unmatched, with its opulent interior and superior ride quality.
3
Best for Executive Travel
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with its spacious cabin, powerful engines up to 503 hp, and refined ambiance, is the ideal choice for long journeys and executive transport.
4
Best for Urban Agility & Efficiency
The BMW 3 Series, being more compact and offering fuel economy as low as 5.5 L/100km, is better suited for navigating city streets and daily commutes in the UAE.
Pros & cons
BMW 3 Series
Pros
- Significantly more affordable starting price (245,000 AED)
- Superior fuel efficiency (up to 5.5 L/100km)
- More compact dimensions for easier maneuverability
- Lighter kerb weight enhances driving agility
- Option for rear-wheel drive for a purer driving feel
Cons
- Less powerful engine options compared to S-Class's top trims
- Smaller overall size and less interior passenger space
- Does not offer the same level of luxury or advanced features as the S-Class
- Trunk capacity is smaller (480 L)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Pros
- Higher levels of luxury, comfort, and interior refinement
- More powerful engine options (up to 503 hp)
- Larger trunk capacity (up to 550 L) and spacious cabin
- Standard 9-speed automatic transmission for smoother shifts
- More substantial road presence and prestigious image
Cons
- Significantly higher purchase price (starting from 701,900 AED)
- Lower fuel efficiency (up to 10.6 L/100km)
- Larger dimensions can be less practical for city parking and tight spaces
- Heavier kerb weight (up to 2,115 kg) impacts agility compared to 3 Series
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class more luxurious?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is unequivocally more luxurious. As a flagship sedan, it offers superior materials, advanced comfort features, and a more refined ride quality than the sportier BMW 3 Series. If ultimate luxury is your priority, the S-Class is the clear winner.
Which car is better for fuel economy: BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The BMW 3 Series is significantly more fuel-efficient. It achieves as low as 5.5 L/100km, whereas the Mercedes-Benz S-Class consumes up to 10.6 L/100km. For daily commuting and cost-conscious driving, the 3 Series is the better choice.
What is the price difference between the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the UAE?
There's a substantial price difference. The BMW 3 Series starts from 245,000 AED, while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at a much higher 701,900 AED. The S-Class commands a premium reflective of its luxury segment positioning.
Which is more spacious, the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is considerably more spacious. With a longer wheelbase and overall dimensions, it offers more legroom for passengers and a larger trunk capacity, up to 550 L, compared to the BMW 3 Series' 480 L. Choose the S-Class for maximum interior room.
Is the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class better for performance driving?
For outright agility and a sporty, driver-focused experience, the BMW 3 Series is generally preferred due to its lighter weight and more compact chassis. While the S-Class offers powerful engines up to 503 hp and quick acceleration, its larger size and focus on comfort make the 3 Series the more engaging choice for dynamic driving.
