BMW 330e vs. Mercedes C350e: which is better?
BMW and Mercedes both offer some top-quality plug-in hybrid vehicles, but which comes out on top as we compare their 330 and C350e PHEV models?
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If you’re after a premium saloon, the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class make for good choices, whichever version you pick.
Opting for plug-in hybrid versions of these cars unlocks significant fuel savings without having to make any performance or style trade-offs.
If you’re struggling to pick between the BMW 330e and Mercedes C350e, continue reading to find out exactly what makes them different.
Does the BMW 330e or Mercedes C350e have more style?
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Both plug-in hybrid saloons are designed to cater to a wide range of buyers, ranging from company car drivers to family buyers, so they’re both stylish.
The 3 Series has a sportier and more aggressive look, which is further accentuated by the fact that most models sold are M Sport versions.
The C-Class has a more sophisticated and elegant design, and generally has softer lines than the sharper 3 Series.
Is the Mercedes C350e or BMW 330e better to drive in the UK?
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Both cars share some traits; for example, they’re both rear-wheel-drive and use automatic gearboxes.
In 330e and C350e form, they’re also heavier than their petrol- and diesel-powered counterparts thanks to the extra batteries, which means they have firmer suspension to maintain a good level of handling.
The BMW 330e has been set up to offer an engaging driving experience, and the Mercedes C350e makes for a comfortable motorway cruiser.
Because they have fairly low centres of gravity (the heavy batteries are placed low in the cars), they feel planted on twisty country roads.
Earlier versions of the 330e have a 252hp petrol-electric setup. This was upgraded to 292hp for the latest generation, but both use a 2.0-litre petrol engine.
The C350e also uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine to give the hybrid setup a total of 279hp. There was also a diesel version, badged C300h, which has been cut from the lineup.
Like BMW, Mercedes has also introduced a new generation of its C-Class, and the plug-in hybrid version is called the C300e.
Previous-generation BMW 330e and Mercedes C350e models can do around 20-30 miles on electric power, helping drivers to cut the cost of motoring.
BMW 330e vs. Mercedes C350e interior
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BMWs have long been described as having a driver-focused interior, which translates to a fairly minimal setup without too many distractions.
The ‘iDrive’ infotainment system is one of our favourites to use, and like the Mercedes, it can be controlled with a physical dial in the centre console.
The C-Class has a stylish interior filled with soft-touch materials, and it’s clear that design cues like interior lighting have been carried over from the flagship S-Class.
C350e vs. 330e: which offers more room?
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Both cars offer a spacious and comfortable cabin and seating for up to five, but as with many saloons, fitting three adults side-by-side in the rear can be a struggle.
The BMW has the larger of the two boots (370 litres) and offers a similar amount of space to many family hatchbacks.
The Mercedes has a smaller 335-litre space, but both have smaller boots than their non-hybrid counterparts to make space for the batteries.
Is a used BMW 330e or used Mercedes C350e more reliable?
Both models have been on sale in various formats for decades and have earned themselves a good reputation.
The 3 Series typically performs slightly better than the C-Class, and the same is true of the BMW brand in general.
It’s worth noting that because they’re premium-branded cars, spare parts might be more expensive than usual. They’re also pretty heavy, so expect to fork out more for tyres than something like a 1 Series or A-Class, but that could largely be offset by their considerable fuel savings.
They both have three-year/unlimited-mileage warranties, which suits those doing long miles.
BMW 330e vs. Mercedes C350e dimensions
There’s not a lot that separates the two because they both sit in the same class of car alongside other models like the Audi A4.
The BMW 330e is 4,633mm long, 2,031mm wide and 1,429mm tall. It’s also 125kg lighter than the Mercedes C350e, which is about the weight of two teenagers.
The Mercedes is 4,686mm long, 2,020mm wide and 1,444mm tall. It has a larger fuel tank than the 330e – by nine litres – so it should be able to travel further between fills and charges, too.
Mercedes C350e vs. BMW 330e: which should you buy?
On paper, both cars offer very similar propositions. They’re both quick, economical and packed with the latest car tech that makes them worthy of their premium car status.
The key differences come down to styling and how they drive. If you spend your time around town and country roads, a BMW 330e might be more appealing, but if you spend a lot of time on the motorway, consider the comfortable Mercedes C350e.