Before Comparing Audi and Mercedes-Benz Sedans in Pleasanton, Consider the Exceptional New BMW 3 Series

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The compact luxury sedan is a staple of the commuter lifestyle in Pleasanton; and if you're searching for your next car in Hayward, San Ramon, Livermore, or Danville, you're likely deep into research to compare your options. And with the competitive segment of premium sports cars in California, you're likely looking at a few specific choices:

The Audi A4, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Lexus IS, and the BMW 3 Series.

All four of these brands boast the best of luxury engineering and design, and it can be difficult to decide which one will be the best fit for your lifestyle. We've compared these four top popular models to look at performance, fuel economy, value, capability, and more.

Explore the differences for yourself, or come to East Bay BMW to see the stunning new BMW 3 Series in person.

Lexus IS

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Audi A4

BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS

The compact luxury sedan is a classic: smooth and sleek, functional and fashionable, powerful and thrilling, comfortable and cool. Turbo-fours and V6 engines blend seamlessly into a balanced body designed and optimized for all-day performance and driving enjoyment. Lexus does a good job with its IS sedan, but it just can't compete with BMW. See some of the differences between the Lexus IS and the BMW 3 Series here.

  • The starting price of the 2018 BMW 3 Series is thousands less than the Lexus IS, making it a more attractive option for younger drivers and those just looking to break into the luxury market
  • The BMW 3 Series is available with a diesel powertrain, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain; the Lexus IS doesn't offer either of those options
  • The Lexus IS does come out strong with a standard 241-horsepower engine to the BMW 3 Series' 180-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo
  • But, BMW comes out on top, with option of a 248-horsepower 2.0-liter engine or a 320-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder; Lexus maxes out in the IS at just 311 horsepower
  • Not looking for a sedan? The BMW 3 Series does offer options including a Sports Wagon and a Gran Turismo, letting you branch out into new styles without sacrificing the stunning good looks and attainability of the BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Both of these models are legends in their own right; both with multiple body style and powertrain options, both offering a variety of package options and trim levels, and both boasting incredible available power. See some of the differences between the C-Class and the BMW 3 Series here.

  • The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers more standard horsepower; but the BMW 3 Series boasts more max horsepower
  • The BMW 3 series is available with a turbo-diesel powertrain--Mercedes-Benz C-Class is not
  • Both cars offer available all-wheel drive
  • BMW and Mercedes-Benz both offer three configurations for their compact cars: 3 Series sedan, Gran Turismo, and Sportswagon; C-Class sedan, coupe, and cabriolet
  • The BMW 3 Series offers better top fuel economy

BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4

Audi is considered a newcomer to ultra-premium car market--but that doesn't mean it's not competitive. And while Audi brings a sharp edge and a smart new style to compact luxury cars, the BMW 3 Series still has the upper hand in this competition. See some of the differences between the A4 and the BMW 3 Series here.

  • Standard horsepower for BMW 3 Series and A4 are comparable; but the 3 Series boasts more maximum horsepower
  • The Audi A4 has no diesel powertrain currently offered--but the BMW 3 Series does
  • Both cars offer available all-wheel drive
  • The BMW 3 Series offers three unique, distinctive body styles--but the Audi A4 is available only as a sedan
  • BMW's compact car gets better top highway mpg than the Audi A4 thanks to available diesel technology

Compare BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi Warranty Coverage

While plenty of California drivers will choose their next vehicle based on look, feel, and fun, there are just as many shrewd, savvy shoppers who want to know all about the kind of value that a car can offer to them. Price can be important; but knowing about warranty coverage could also help you make a decision.

What are the best luxury car warranties on the market? Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lexus are some of the leaders for coverage, but BMW gives you more: the chance to drive your dream performance car with confidence, knowing that hundreds of BMW dealers across the country have you covered. And while there are many other additional factors to consider when looking at luxury car warranties in California--like what is covered vs not, accessibility of warranty repair centers, deductibles, etc.--knowing the numbers is a good place to start.

Compare New-Vehicle Limited Warranties

This bumper-to-bumper coverage is important to have; though all four brands boast similar coverage terms, so this may not be your tie-breaker. Most new-vehicle warranties do have exceptions, though, specifically on tires, "inconvenience" factors like time and money lost during a breakdown, maintenance (unless specified), and environmental damages like cracks in glass from stones, damage from UV rays, and other natural damages. Compare luxury car bumper-to-bumper warranties:

  • BMW 3 Series Warranty: 4 year / 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty; maintenance optional for up to six years or 100,000 miles under the BMW Ultimate Service program
  • Lexus IS Warranty: 4 year / 50,000-mile limited warranty; manufacturer's recommended maintenance covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Warranty: 4 year / 50,000-mile limited warranty; available pre-paid maintenance plans, but not covered under the warranty
  • Audi A4 Warranty: 4 year / 50,000-mile limited warranty; includes four years of roadside assistance and the first schedule maintenance service

Compare Powertrain Warranties

Powertrain warranties cover components like the engine, transmission, transfer case, drive system, and lubricated internal parts; some exclusions apply, like environmental factors and at-fault damages. Using non-branded parts or performing customization work may void your powertrain warranty, so be sure to check with your dealership's service center before doing anything to your engine. Compare luxury car powertrain limited warranties:

  • BMW 3 Series Powertrain Warranty: 4 year / 50,000 limited powertrain warranty
  • Lexus IS Powertrain Warranty: 6 year / 70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Powertrain Warranty: Covered under the new-vehicle warranty, extended coverage available through costly plans
  • Audi A4 Warranty: Covered under the new-vehicle warranty, extended coverage available for additional costs

Compare Certified Pre-Owned Warranties

It's not all about the new cars; as you're shopping for luxury sedans in the Pleasanton area, you may widen your search to pre-owned premium vehicles, too. All four brands offer warranty coverage specific to their Certified Pre-Owned program. Compare luxury car CPO warranties:

  • BMW 3 Series CPO Warranty: 12 months / Unlimited miles additional to the remainder of the bumper-to-bumper limited warranty; includes 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Lexus IS CPO Warranty: Up to six years of vehicle warranty coverage in total when combined with the basic warranty
  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class CPO Warranty: 12 months / Unlimited miles additional to the remainder of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty; extended warranty coverage available
  • Audi A4 CPO Warranty: 24 months / 50,000 miles additional to the remainder of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty