Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs BMW M3 Comparison

On paper, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid looks like an absolute masterstroke for the Indian luxury market. By marrying a silky-smooth 3.0-litre straight-six with a substantial electric battery, Mercedes is promising the holy grail of flagship motoring. Which is zero-emission city commuting alongside uncompromised, long-distance highway range. Add to that the unprecedented safety shield of 15 airbags and the cutting-edge MB.OS tech, and it looks poised to set a whole new benchmark.

However, the real test will be on the tarmac. We still need to see how seamlessly the complex hybrid powertrain behaves in bumper-to-bumper gridlock and how beautifully the standard AIRMATIC suspension handles the added weight of the 22kWh battery pack. It is an engineering marvel on the spec sheet, but we will reserve our final judgment until we get the keys for a comprehensive road test.

The BMW M3 is an absolute beast on the road. While it keeps its family credentials alive and kicking, a true track car’s raw speed also lies resting within its DNA, letting you pull hard all the way to the redline. To keep you out of trouble when you’re feeling adventurous, the BMW M3’s brake bite is tremendous as well, letting you enjoy empty stretches without any second thoughts. Besides, there’s also an EV variant that could hit Indian shores by 2027, while you also need to check whether the previous models are still on retail or not.

Sure, the original's firm suspension may not be up to the mark when going through broken city streets, or the styling might not appeal to all. But those complaints lose ground when you feel how direct the sedan’s steering is, and how the car’s four-door practicality is actually non-negotiable if you're a family man. If you have the budget and want a car that can comfortably handle the daily office commute before hitting a weekend trip, there’s no point in hesitating to bring the BMW M3 home.