BMW 3 Series LWB vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2026)
BMW 3 Series LWB (₹62.70 Lakh – ₹77.10 Lakh) and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (₹81.50 Lakh – ₹1.45 Crore) go head-to-head in the luxury sedan space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).
- The BMW 3 Series LWB is more affordable — it starts ₹18.80 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
- The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the more powerful car, with 577 bhp against 369 bhp.
- The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the bigger boot: 540 litres vs 480 litres.
Specification Comparison
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
BMW 3 Series LWB in short
The 3 Series Long Wheelbase is India's sports-sedan benchmark stretched for the back seat: a 2,961 mm wheelbase exclusive to markets like India, priced ₹62.70–77.10 lakh. The volume cars are the 258 PS 330Li petrol and 190 PS 320Ld diesel, and the range tops out with the 374 PS six-cylinder M340i xDrive — the quickest sedan built in India. It fights the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, both of which run standard wheelbases.
Full 3 Series LWB prices & variants →Mercedes-Benz E-Class in short
The E-Class LWB is India's best-selling luxury car, and the current generation launched in October 2024 continues the formula that earned that title: an India-specific long-wheelbase body with a 3,094 mm wheelbase, reclining rear seats and a 540-litre boot. The range spans ₹81.50 lakh (E 200) to ₹1.45 crore for the 585 PS AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ plug-in hybrid. India is one of the few markets to get the LWB sedan at all — the BMW 5 Series LWB is its only direct long-wheelbase rival, with the Audi A6 running standard length.
Full E-Class prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: 3 Series LWB or E-Class?
The BMW 3 Series LWB is more affordable — it starts ₹18.80 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. (Ex-showroom prices, October 2026.)
3 Series LWB vs E-Class — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: BMW 3 Series LWB — not yet tested; Mercedes-Benz E-Class — not yet tested.
Should I buy the 3 Series LWB or the E-Class?
The BMW 3 Series LWB is more affordable — it starts ₹18.80 Lakh lower than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the more powerful car, with 577 bhp against 369 bhp. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the bigger boot: 540 litres vs 480 litres. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.