The 2020 BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are pretty close rivals. They have many of the same features, but there are still key differences between the two. 

These differences are why they’re marketed to different people, however. U.S. News lays out what each one has to offer and what makes each one unique. Let’s take a look at them both and see whether the higher-priced BMW is worth paying the extra money for. 

Overview of the BMW 4 Series

Because no crash tests have been done on the BMW 4 Series, U.S. News couldn’t rate it. But, they still listed a lot of things that they liked about the vehicle.

Performance is great with all three of the options the automaker gives you. The standard model, the 430i, comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder motor that produces approximately 248 hp. While not as peppy as its rivals, it’s not half bad. 

The 440i takes it a step further by offering a turbocharged V6 engine that produces 320 hp. The last engine option is in the BMW M4. This one, being the top-of-the-line model, has a twin-turbocharged motor, which runs at 425 hp, giving it an athletic feel. 

The 430i and the 440i both come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M4 has the simplistic six-speed manual as an option if you want to replace the automatic to enhance its performance. The M4 also has the option to choose a coupe or a convertible, if that’s what appeals to you. With a lengthy list of standard driver safety features, how could you go wrong?

Overview of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

U.S. News reviewed the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well. They found that it’s known for its luxurious interior and plush ride. Riding in superior comfort is practically standard with one of these.

Steering one isn’t quite the experience you would expect with a high-end vehicle like this, but it’s not too shabby. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 255 hp. Their Mercedes-AMG models have either a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 or a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, running at 469 hp. Acceleration times with the AMG models vary between 4.5, 3.9, and 3.8 seconds depending on which AMG version you have.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on some models, with all-wheel drive being an option for more money. Some AMG versions have all-wheel drive as standard. Others only come with rear-wheel drive and no option to upgrade.

It has a lengthy list of standard safety and driver-assist features, plus it received great crash test ratings

Which has more value for the price?

Looking at the BMW 4 Series, the starting price is quite high for the base model. The MSRP is approximately $45,000. You get a lot of standard features, though, and EPA estimates run at about 22-34 mpg on the highway, depending on which model you’re driving. 

With the convertible model, you can expect to pay around $53,000 to start. The reliability rating for the BMW 4 Series is four out of five, which is above average. 

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class runs pretty close when it comes to starting prices on some models. You can expect to pay only $41,000 for the base model, $46,000 for the coupe version, and $54,000 for the convertible option.

EPA ratings are better than the BMW. The C-Class can get about 24-35 mpg on the highway, depending on which model you’re using. Its reliability ratings, however, plummet below the BMW 4 Series.

It got a 2.5 out of 5. The C-Class received good safety ratings from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it five stars for the frontal crash testing. Side crash tests for the 2020 model haven’t been performed as of yet. 

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class base package runs cheaper by a few thousand dollars, but it doesn’t compare to the power that’s under the hood of the BMW. 

Both are good choices. Picking which one to buy for yourself will come down to what your preferences are. If you want an ultra-luxurious interior, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be the one for you. If you want more power and performance, choose BMW; it pretty much blows Mercedes away in that department.