Lexus IS v BMW 3 Series v Mercedes-Benz C Class v Audi A4 - Which Is The Best Compact Premium Sedan?

Rarely does a single car define the segment in which it resides, but that’s exactly the case with the BMW 3 Series. For three decades it has been a synonym for the compact luxury sedan genre; the yardstick rivals have long measured themselves against.

When this generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class launched in 2007, the manufacturer claimed it was better than a 3 Series (implicitly acknowledging the BMW was the one to beat). It was much the same with this generation of Audi A4 in 2008. Within one year, those two rivals had transformed themselves to properly front the plucky Bavarian.

Now, the Lexus IS is the latest car to be tagged as a 3 Series-beater. The Japanese car’s chief engineer reckons the IS is the better driver’s car.

cidflekken - 8/16/2013 12:31:39 PM

+3 Boost

Wow. didn't expect this outcome. Especially didn't expect to hear this about a Mercedes lower-level C-Class: "Mercedes-Benz proved untouchable with its masterful suspension tune. Its ride comfort is superbly plush, far beyond anything the other three can manage, yet over speed humps and backroad dips alike the control is just as impressive.

The Mercedes-Benz also delivers the only genuinely excellent steering system here. Light, quick and precise, the variable ratio set-up – which gets quicker as you turn – in the C-Class is one of the true greats regardless of price."

Satriani1 - 8/16/2013 1:12:01 PM

-3 Boost

This Australian site "Car Advice" is an online car sales site -- how trustworthy are its reviews?

LexSucks - 8/16/2013 1:52:25 PM

-2 Boost

Crap review... The Benz has been out since 2007. And just now someone is saying that its the best handler? What about the last 6 years? Anyone who thinks of a standard C-Class as a drivers car needs to get out more.

cidflekken - 8/16/2013 2:26:30 PM

+1 Boost

The C-class was updated extensively in 2011.

LexSucks - 8/16/2013 3:09:33 PM

-2 Boost

I wouldn't call it extensive. Still has the same engine, still looks the same. All they did was change the interior from what I can see. And perhaps the suspension. Revising the suspension doesn't usually turn an also ran into the king handler.

And this is the first time that I've ever read that the C-Class has superior handling to its competitors. You mean to tell me that it took 2 years for someone to realize, that the 2011 redesign actually puts it at the head of it's class? Please... That comparison was bought and paid for. Nothing more than an attempt to trick people. Either that or the reviewer is a delusional Mercedes Benz Fanboy.

cidflekken - 8/17/2013 1:28:46 AM

+1 Boost

It was extensive enough that it qualified in Motor Trend's Car of the Year competition. Minor updating wouldn't have qualified it.

LexSucks - 8/17/2013 1:08:02 PM

-3 Boost

How did it fare in 2011? And why hasn't any other reviewer since 2011 found the C-Class as being the handling champ? Where's the consensus? Other than in the mind of this delusional reviewer who else agrees with him? The point I'm trying to make is that this guy, is the only guy on the planet, that puts the C-Class ahead in handling against those cars. Seems like Australian C-Class sales needed a boost so they brought in this moron to review them.

abqhudson - 8/16/2013 4:21:10 PM

+2 Boost

After many BMWs over many years, and after just buying our first Mercedes (a CLK convertible), my wife and are are finally "getting" the Mercedes thing. While the BMWs may handle a race course better, the Mercedes is just a more comfortable car. A real spare and no run-flats - hallelujah.

gkearns56 - 8/16/2013 4:47:01 PM

-2 Boost

BMW lost a sale for me because of those crappy run flat tires. I don't know why the "don't get it". Run flats cost about 1/3 more than the standard high performance tires; you get LESS mileage out of them AND they ride rough(er). BMW go back to non run flat tires please.

Yonder7 - 8/16/2013 4:25:07 PM

+1 Boost

As MB Fan , I am do not buy that review. I know the weakness of C and that is not a review, is an advertising, what I do not understand is why is here?...

F1_Driver - 8/16/2013 6:11:43 PM

+2 Boost

It is here because this is Auto Lies, not Auto Spies!

Sciros - 8/16/2013 7:41:07 PM

+1 Boost

That's it mofos, I am going to do MY OWN comparison, where the Mercedes is going to lose! No bias! ... oh, wait.

With these cars personal preference plays into the comparison heavily. That will always be true until you replace all the badges and branding with Plymouth or something and let someone like a cop who has driven only domestic sports sedans his whole life drive these things and tell you what he or she thinks. Actually do it with a whole precinct. Then analyze the results. Or something.

nguyenvuminh - 8/17/2013 12:31:11 AM

+3 Boost

Why do some people take things so personally? Autospies didn't do the comparison and still gets hammered for the outcome. As for the outcome itself, the source did say they placed priority on daily driving needs and not just performance which steered the outcome to the C. If you wants to read something that supports your preference/ego for performance,go read Car & Driver where performance carries the most weight and practically anything with the BMW wins.

LexSucks - 8/17/2013 1:14:34 PM

-4 Boost

Doesn't this review support the reviewer's "Preference/ego" towards daily driving and boredom? That's what it seems that he likes. Why try and knock people who like performance with this "ego" gibberish? smh..