BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Which Should You Buy in Oman?

A complete comparison of the ⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz S-Class⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Oman.

⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz S-Class⁩: the verdict

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class emerges as the superior choice for buyers prioritizing ultimate luxury, robust performance, and unparalleled comfort, backed by its powerful engines and spacious cabin. However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly premium sedan with excellent fuel efficiency and a sporty driving experience, the BMW 3 Series offers a compelling package and significantly lower entry price.
#1#2
Price Comparison
Starting at25,999 – 32,999 OMR66,995 – 68,995 OMR
Engine & Power
Engine1,998 cc · 4 cyl2,987 – 5,980 cc · 6 – 12 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)184 – 252 hp333 – 530 hp
Torque (Nm)300 – 350 Nm480 – 830 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.8 – 7.1 s4.4 – 6.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)240 – 250 km/h250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)5.5 – 6.2 L/100km8.2 – 11.3 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity60 L70 – 80 L
Gears87 – 9
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.6 / 4.7 m × 1.8 / 1.8 m × 1.4 / 1.4 m5.1 / 5.2 / 5.3 / 5.3 m × 1.8 / 1.9 / 1.9 / 1.9 / 2.1 m × 1.5 / 1.5 / 1.5 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.8 / 2.9 m3.0 / 3.1 / 3.2 / 3.2 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,450 – 1,570 kg1,935 – 2,185 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)480 L510 – 550 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats4 / 5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering LightsCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeatbelt pretensionerSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAll-Wheel SteeringAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrake CalipersBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDigital ClockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDVDDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent Emergency CallIntelligent KeyInternet ConnectivityiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMagnesium Paddle ShiftersMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MassageSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSide Impact BarSilver TrimSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTailgate with HatchTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Luxury and Performance

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the undisputed winner for those demanding top-tier luxury, powerful engine options up to 530 hp, and a sophisticated ride experience.

2

Best for Value and Efficiency

The BMW 3 Series takes the lead for shoppers seeking a premium sedan experience without the S-Class price tag, offering impressive fuel economy as low as 5.5 L/100km.

3

Best for Driving Dynamics

For a more agile and engaging driving experience, the lighter BMW 3 Series, with its compact dimensions and sporty handling, is the better choice for enthusiasts.

4

Best for Passenger Comfort and Space

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers superior rear passenger comfort and a more expansive cabin, evident in its larger dimensions and generous trunk capacity of up to 550 L.

Pros & cons

BMW 3 Series

Pros

  • Significantly lower starting price (25,999 OMR)
  • Superior fuel efficiency (5.5 L/100km)
  • More agile and compact for city driving
  • Sporty handling characteristic
  • Lighter kerb weight (1,450 kg)

Cons

  • Less powerful engine options
  • Slower acceleration compared to S-Class
  • Smaller and less opulent interior
  • Lower prestige and luxury status

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Pros

  • Vastly superior power output (up to 530 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (as quick as 4.4 s)
  • More luxurious and spacious interior
  • Larger trunk capacity (up to 550 L)
  • Higher torque figures (up to 830 Nm)

Cons

  • Significantly higher purchase price (66,995 OMR)
  • Lower fuel efficiency (up to 11.3 L/100km)
  • Heavier and less nimble in tight spaces
  • Higher running costs due to larger engines

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class more luxurious?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is unequivocally the more luxurious vehicle. As a flagship full-size luxury sedan, it offers superior materials, advanced comfort features, and a more spacious cabin compared to the more compact and sport-oriented BMW 3 Series. If luxury is your top priority, the S-Class is the clear choice.

Which car offers better performance, the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers significantly better performance, especially in its higher trims. With engine options delivering up to 530 hp and acceleration as quick as 4.4 seconds, it far outpaces the BMW 3 Series, which peaks at 252 hp and 5.8 seconds. For raw power and speed, the S-Class is the winner.

Which is more fuel-efficient, the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The BMW 3 Series is considerably more fuel-efficient than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The 3 Series achieves fuel economy figures as low as 5.5 L/100km, while the S-Class consumes significantly more, with figures ranging from 8.2 to 11.3 L/100km. For lower running costs and better mileage, the 3 Series is the clear choice.

What is the price difference between the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Oman?

There is a substantial price difference between the two models in Oman. The BMW 3 Series starts from 25,999 OMR, making it a more accessible premium sedan. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class begins at 66,995 OMR, reflecting its position as a top-tier luxury vehicle. Your budget will be the primary factor in this decision.

Which car has more space, the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers more interior and cargo space compared to the BMW 3 Series. With a trunk capacity of up to 550 L and larger overall dimensions, it provides a more expansive environment for passengers and luggage. If space and comfort are paramount, the S-Class is the superior option.