Compare the2022 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2021 Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe

The 2 Series has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 2 Series offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The 2 Series’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG C-Class Coupe.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 2 Series has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the AMG C-Class Coupe.

Both the 2 Series and the AMG C-Class Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG C-Class Coupe’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series 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 AMG C-Class Coupe.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series first among small premium cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The AMG C-Class Coupe isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 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 20th in initial quality. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 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 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the BMW 2 Series as a “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

For better stopping power the 2 Series’ standard brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG C-Class Coupe:

For better maneuverability, the 230i’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the AMG C 63 Coupe’s (36.4 feet vs. 37.1 feet). The M240i’s turning circle is .2 feet tighter than the AMG C 43 Coupe’s (38.2 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The BMW 2 Series may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 450 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe.

The 230i is 5.8 inches shorter than the AMG C 43 Coupe, making the 2 Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the BMW 2 Series amounts to more than styling. The 2 Series offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .28 to .3 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is lower than the AMG C-Class Coupe (.3 to .33). A more efficient exterior helps the 2 Series go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the 2 Series get better fuel mileage.

The front grille of the 2 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The 2 Series has 1 inch more front headroom, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room and .2 inches more rear legroom than the AMG C-Class Coupe.

On extremely cold winter days, the 2 Series’ optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Insurance will cost less for the 2 Series owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 2 Series will cost $1185 to $9285 less than the AMG C-Class Coupe over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW 2 Series will be $21323 to $27818 less than for the Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe.

The M235i/M240i was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 8 years. The AMG C-Class Coupe has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The 2 Series was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2015. The AMG C-Class Coupe has never been an “All Star.”