2025 BMW 320i Sport vs Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde: Malaysia-spec comparison
If you want a German compact executive sedan, the choice has always been between the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3 Series. And it still is. Currently in Malaysia, the cheapest versions of these cars are the Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde and the BMW 320i Sport (LCI 2).
In terms of price, the C200 will cost you RM296,888, while the newly introduced 320i costs slightly less at RM283,800. While both the C200 and 320i sit as entry points into their respective line-ups. So, which one offers better value for your money? Let’s take a closer look.
| W206 Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde | G20 BMW 320i Sport (LCI 2) |
Price | RM296,888 | RM283,800* |
*With BMW Warranty & Service package
Exterior
On the outside, both cars are subdued versions of what they could potentially be. With smaller 18-inch wheels for both cars (compared to their higher variant counterparts), they both look like comfortable rides perfect for your daily commute. Previously only avaialble with the “M Sport” trim druing “LCI 1”, the 320i’s “Sport” guise is a better match for the Avantgarde C200. Both cars are similarly sized, although the C200 weighs just a tad more
W206 Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde | G20 BMW 320i Sport (LCI 2) | |
Headlights | LED High Performance Headlights (NOT Mercedes-Benz DIGITAL LIGHT) | BMW LED Headlights |
Adaptive High Beam | Mercedes-Benz Adaptive Highbeam Assist | BMW High-beam assistant |
Wheels | 18-inch 5-spoke light alloy wheels | 18-inch Style 780 bicolour wheels |
Tyre size | 225/45R18 (front) 245/40R18 (rear) | 225/45R18 (front) 225/45R18 (rear) |
Tyre model | Pirelli Cinturato P7 (run flat) | Hankook ventus S1 Evo 3 (run flat) |
Brakes | Ventilated Discs front & rear | Ventilated discs front & rear |
Suspension | Mercedes-Benz AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping | BMW Comfort Suspension |
Front suspension | 4-link front suspension | Double joint spring strut axle in lightweight aluminium steel construction, hydraulically damped torque strur bearing |
Rear suspension | multi-link independent rear suspension | 5-link axle in lightweight aluminium steel construction |
Length/ Width/Height (mm) | 4751/1820/1437 | 4713/1827/1440 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2865 | 2851 |
Weight (EU) | 1,650kg | 1,588 kg |
Performance and Powertrain
| W206 Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde | BMW 320i Sport |
Engine | 1.5L Turbo Inline-4 MHEV | 2.0L Turbo inline-4 |
Max. Power | 204 PS (150 kW) | 184 PS (135 kW) |
Max. Torque | 320 Nm | 300 Nm |
Transmission | 9G-TRONIC, 9-speed automatic | 8-speed Steptronic |
Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) | Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) |
0-100 km/h | 7.3 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
Top Speed | 246 km/h | 235 km/h |
While the Mercedes-Benz C200 embraces electrification, the 320i remains purely petrol-powered. In the Non-M 3 Series lineup, only the M340i is electrified with a 48V MHEV assistance. Thanks to electrification, the C200 puts out more power despite having a smaller engine capacity of only 1.5 litres.
Both cars are rear wheel driven (RWD) as they should be, and both have very similar 0-100 km/h acceleration times. And if it’s on-paper top speed that you’re looking for, the C200 is capable of a higher 246 km/h top speed compared to the 320i’s 235 km/h top speed.
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Interior
On the inside, the 320i has a more up-todate interior as the 3 Series has recently been given its second facelift (or LCI2). the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has yet to receive a refresh, althougb it speculated to make its world debut in 2025. Equipment-wise, the BMW offers a bit more over the Mercedes-Benz with a tri-zone automatic climate control system and a better-looking steering wheel.
W206 Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde | G20 BMW 320i Sport (LCI 2) | |
Seats | Comfort Seats | Sports Seats |
Upholstery | ARTICO Man-made leather, black | Sensatec perforated |
Cabin trims | Silver-grey diamond pattern trim | Matt ‘Dark Graphite’ |
Headliner | Black fabric | Bright fabric |
Air conditioning | Dual-zone THERMATIC automatic climate control with rear vents | 3-zone automatic climate control with rear vents |
Sunroof | Without | Without |
Wireless phone charging | With | With |
Ambient lighting | With | With |
Head unit | 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen, MBUX NTG 8 | 14.9-inch landscape touchscreen, BMW Operating System 8.5 |
Phone Connectivity | – with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | – with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
Audio system | Mercedes-Benz standard sound system | BMW Standard stereo system (6 speakers) |
Instrument cluster | 12.3-inch digital display | 12.3-inch digital display |
Blinds | Manual | None |
Both cabins demonstrate different design philosophies, with the Mercedes-Benz C200 offering a flashier look while the 320i offers a better overall tactile feel. Subject to personal taste, some may prefer the C200’s dark headliner while others may prefer the 320i’s bright headliner. A plus point for the C200 is that it provides blinds for the rear passengers.
Safety
The new item for the LCI 2 320i is the standard availability of Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go. This easily puts it miles ahead of the Mercedes-Benz C200 which only comes with the standard cruise control system. With the W206 C200 in Malaysia not updated since its first debut, this is something that should be included, should a facelift emerge.
| W206 Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde | G20 BMW 320i Sport (LCI 2) |
ADAS | NOT EQUIPPED with Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Package Plus | with BMW Driving Assistant Plus |
Cruise Control | Standard Cruise Control (No DISTRONIC) | Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go |
Lane keep | None | Lane Departure with Lane Return |
Parking Assistance | Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC | Parking Assistant PLUS |
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | With | With |
Tyre repair kit | Run Flat tyres | Run flat tyres |
Verdict
A more up-to-date product is the BMW 320i Sport as the LCI2 has just been introduced in Malaysia this year. It is about time the C200 gets a refresh, and like mentioned earlier, that is expected to be unveil;ed to the world this year. The age of the C200 makes its feature suite unattractive when you put it next to a more recent car.
Although both cars are geared towards comfort (in relation to their higher variant counterparts), the Mercedes-Benz is the more comfort-oriented choice with its comfort seats and window blinds. Although the 320i has dropped the “M Sport” trim, there is still an essence of youthfulness and energy with the Sport trim. Personally, I’d recommend the 320i, as the lack of ACC with Stop & Go in the C200 is a deal breaker for me.
