BMW 3 Series vs Jaguar XE vs Mercedes C-Class group test

To help you decide exactly what your next company car should be, the Auto Trader team drove 1,200 miles across Europe in the latest BMW 3 Series, along with two of its closest rivals, the Jaguar XE and Mercedes C-Class, before crowning a winner.


Over the course of an extended test drive, our experts review some of the UK’s most exciting and interesting new cars. Each drive is set against the backdrop of a story that will hopefully inspire you to take a road trip all of your own..

Welcome! Auto Trader is the UK’s biggest, best and most trusted car buying website, and our YouTube channel will help make finding your dream vehicle easier than ever.

But don’t just take our word for it; every month, we’ll ask some of Britain’s most passionate petrolheads to share their owner reviews. Factor in tutorials, used car guides, plus bonus motorcycle and van reviews and we have all your motoring needs covered.

[Kcducttaper]

It's the XE for me. I was all set on a BMW 335i, but I just drove an XF today (because they didn't have an XE in stock) and I really liked it a lot more than BMW! It did indeed ride smoother, yet sharper and more precise. I did not feel like the cabin was cheaply made at all. Unless there's a significant difference between the XF and XE (there isn't in pictures), I can't understand their complaints with the interior. I actually liked it significantly better than the BMW's. The BMW interior just doesn't seem anything special to me. I've never cared for Merc anything because their interiors are way to busy and....fiddly. For me, it's hands-down Jaguar.

[Starcraftnob]

Just bought a BMW LCI 320d sports package yesterday. absolutely love the looks of the 19 inch sports rims and its body, drives comfortably in Eco pro but in sports plus mode its personality changes so much. Feels much quicker than the specs would say!

[ericcartman]

The level to compare has changed into this list:

- Jaguar XE
- Mercedes C Class
- Lexus IS

- Bmw 3 series
- Audi A4
- Volkswagon Passat
- Volvo S60

[Sandouras]

I normally hate Mercs but goddamn this new C is simply stunning.

[mistreku]

I'm a BMW fan but I'd get the Jag all day, everyday.

[bme]

Great video, a truly decent review which tells British drivers pretty much what they want to know. More please!

[danielosdinia]

3 months ago, after watching a stock pile of reviews, I went out and picked a BMW 320d M sport. What I can say after 3 month daily ride is this car is simply perfect. I never get tired or bored behind the wheel and its gearbox is a feat of engineering as you barely notice a gear shift. Also, the engine gives enough power to satisfy me on British roads with strict speed limit rules. Nice car Beem!

[mrkruger]

I love the Jaguar and BMW. The Merc looks like something my granny would enjoy!

[spreadeagled]

I never considered Jaguar. I was in torment trying to decide whether to buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the BMW 3 Series. I have driven both of them and I loved both of them. In all agony in deciding, I finally settled the matter and bought the MB C300 and I’ve been happy ever since. 👍❤️

[MSDPula]

I personally would buy the Jag because it's most interesting car out of these 3 in my opinion but this is always more emotional than rational decision and the differences are really small.

[denisedavies]

Agree with Chadwick...the xe is brand new and to come so close (in some reviews succeeding) to knocking the 3 series off the podium is some achievement!

[aakashpatel]

I see the interior of all car by my self .and I like the Jaguar interior most and it is way more premium than old dady BMW 320

[Siper]

Yours are the kind of videos that I give a Thumbs Up to, before I even start watching. Another one well done!

Also, Mr. Quirk it's great to see you in a car rather than a bike, but I do love those motorcycle videos. The more the merrier!

[ekirasche]

Jaguar looks very good, they don't have anymore that ridiculous "long live British Empire" style, but it is modern car that can successfully compete with BMW and Mercedes.

[craigrees]

Agreed, the Merc's cabin is gorgeous, but I'd take the Jag interior over the BMW all day long. The 3 series may feel solid inside, but it's always looked so bare and uninspiring to me. After test driving them both,  the Jag's large,  integrated touch screen and f-type accents from steering wheel to dials looked so much classier and luxurious.

[elitestar]

I'd get the 3 series but then again I see more of them on the road than Toyota corollas...

[christopherheath]

Gone from the E bmws and had the F for 12 months..
After 6 months of owning a jaguar it's better and I think you should have gone with the emotional choice which we know was the Jaguar 💯

[philipadastra]

All these fking reviews! Just buy the one you love! Love is what makes you the happiest in your life!

[Kburd-wrdq]

C class looks nicest but jag looks mean.

[mrek]

For me, it's the XE. That said, I am a Jaguar fan, and have owned an S-Type, an XF-S and an XJ R-Sport, and all have been reliable and exhilarating to own and drive. I have never owned a BMW, but have owned various Mercedes models, from a CLK to a CLS, and while they're all good and well equipped, they can be boring in terms of styling. Other than the obvious measures of: reliability, style and cost, I always think - How does driving a specific car make me feel?; similar to the way you feel about any new home you are looking for, and for me, the XE is that car in this category. The 3 Series is just too common (which may be a back-handed compliment), and I do not like the interior, or 'boy racer' image! The C-Class is just dull, although well equipped. In terms of style, image and the handling, it's the XE all the way!