Compare the2019 BMW 4 Series Gran CoupeVS 2018 Mercedes E-Class Sedan

The 4 Series Gran Coupe has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The E-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the 4 Series Gran Coupe and the E-Class Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the E-Class Sedan’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 4 Series Gran Coupe for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the E-Class Sedan.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 4 Series Gran Coupe first among compact premium cars in their 2017 Initial Quality Study. The E-Class Sedan isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2017 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 17th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in reliability, above the industry average. With 20 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ April 2018 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 9 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

As tested in Car and Driver the 430i Gran Coupe is faster than the E 300 Sedan:

On the EPA test cycle the 4 Series Gran Coupe gets better fuel mileage than the E-Class Sedan:

Regenerative brakes improve the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The E-Class Sedan doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe as a “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Mercedes E-Class Sedan is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the E-Class Sedan’s (54.2% to 45.8%). This gives the 4 Series Gran Coupe more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the E-Class Sedan’s (37.1 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is 11.1 inches shorter than the E-Class Sedan, making the 4 Series Gran Coupe easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the 430i Gran Coupe xDrive is quieter than the E 300 Sedan 4MATIC (73 vs. 76 dB).

The 4 Series Gran Coupe has a larger trunk with its rear seat up than the E-Class Sedan (17 vs. 13.1 cubic feet).

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The 4 Series Gran Coupe offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The E-Class Sedan doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Both the 4 Series Gran Coupe and the E-Class Sedan offer optional heated front seats. The 4 Series Gran Coupe also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the E-Class Sedan.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the 4 Series Gran Coupe will retain 44.99% to 47.5% of its original price after five years, while the E-Class Sedan only retains 42.6% to 43.56%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will be $5317 to $11676 less than for the Mercedes E-Class Sedan.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 4 Series Gran Coupe third among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The E-Class Sedan isn’t in the top three.

The 4 Series was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2014. The E-Class has never been an “All Star.”