2024 BMW M3 Competition vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S

Published May 2026

2024 BMW M3 Competition vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S Close

A Comprehensive Car Comparison by MCT Motorsport

The 2024 BMW M3 Competition and 2023 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S E Performance represent one of the most interesting performance sedan match-ups of the modern era. For decades, this rivalry was simple: BMW brought sharp handling and straight-six precision, while AMG brought V8 muscle and theatre. Today, the formula has changed. The M3 continues with a twin-turbo inline-six, while the latest C63 replaces its V8 with a complex plug-in hybrid four-cylinder drivetrain. Both are fast. Both are technically impressive. But they feel very different. This comparison comes down to one clear question: do you want the more traditional driver's car, or the more ambitious hybrid performance sedan?

Powertrain & Performance

BMW M3 Competition

8.5/10

The 2024 BMW M3 Competition uses BMW M's S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six. In M xDrive form, it produces 390kW and 650Nm, matched to an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission.
Performance is immediate, balanced and confidence-inspiring. The M xDrive system gives the M3 enormous traction, while still allowing a rear-biased character when you want it. For buyers who prefer a more traditional feel, the rear-wheel-drive Competition Sedan remains available with slightly less output but more classic M car behaviour.
The M3 feels cohesive. The engine, gearbox, chassis and steering all work together in a way that rewards committed driving.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S E Performance

8/10

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance takes a very different approach. Instead of a V8, it uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a rear-mounted electric motor. Combined output is 500kW and 1,020Nm, sent through AMG Performance 4MATIC+.
On paper, the C63 is extremely powerful. Its electric motor delivers instant response, and its acceleration numbers are outstanding. However, the drivetrain is more complicated and the car is considerably heavier than the BMW.
The biggest shift is emotional. The old C63's V8 character has been replaced by a more technical, hybrid-focused driving experience.

Interior Comfort & Features

BMW M3 Competition

8/10

Inside, the M3 feels driver-focused. BMW's Curved Display combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, giving the cabin a modern and performance-oriented layout.
M Sport seats are standard, with M Carbon bucket seats available for buyers wanting a more serious driving position. The cabin is purposeful, supportive and easy to use, although it prioritises performance character over outright luxury.
Features such as Harman Kardon audio, M-specific displays and performance menus help reinforce the car's sporting intent.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S E Performance

8.5/10

The C63 delivers the more luxurious cabin experience. Its 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, AMG Performance seats and Burmester audio system give it a more premium feel.
The cabin presentation is more dramatic, more technology-heavy and more visually impressive than the BMW's. Drive modes include Electric, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Race, Slippery and Individual, giving the C63 a broad range of personalities.
Where the BMW feels focused, the Mercedes feels more polished and high-tech.

Space & Practicality

BMW M3 Competition

8.5/10

The M3 Sedan offers 480 litres of boot space, making it surprisingly usable for a high-performance car. It remains practical enough for commuting, weekend trips and family use.
The bigger advantage is the availability of the M3 Touring in Australia. With 500 litres of boot space with the seats up and 1,510 litres with them folded, the Touring adds genuine wagon practicality without sacrificing M performance.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S E Performance

7/10

The C63's hybrid system creates a packaging compromise. While the standard C-Class has a larger boot, the C63 S E Performance is reduced to 280 litres because of the rear electric motor and battery packaging.
That makes the C63 less practical than expected for a performance sedan, especially for buyers who need regular luggage space.

Fuel Efficiency & Everyday Use

BMW M3 Competition

6.5/10

The M3 is a conventional high-performance petrol sedan. It does not offer plug-in hybrid capability or electric-only running, but its fuel use is more predictable in real-world driving.
For long-distance touring and highway use, the M3's mechanical simplicity and consistent performance delivery make it easier to understand. What you see on paper is closer to what you experience day to day.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S E Performance

8/10

The C63 is more efficient on paper thanks to its plug-in hybrid system. It can complete short urban trips using electric assistance, making it appealing for buyers who can charge at home and spend much of their time in city driving.
However, once the battery is depleted, the C63's weight and performance hardware can reduce its real-world efficiency advantage. Its fuel economy story depends heavily on how regularly it is charged.

Safety & Driver Assistance

BMW M3 Competition

8/10

The M3 includes the expected suite of active safety technology, including autonomous emergency braking, lane support systems, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
While the G80 M3 itself is not independently ANCAP-rated, the underlying 3 Series platform has previously performed strongly in safety testing.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S E Performance

8.5/10

The C63 also includes a comprehensive safety and driver assistance package, including AEB, lane keeping, blind-spot assistance and adaptive cruise control.
Its advantage is that the broader W206 C-Class platform carries a five-star ANCAP rating, giving it a clearer independent safety credential.

Ownership & Value

BMW M3 Competition

8.5/10

The M3 benefits from an established performance formula. Its S58 engine is well regarded, the M community is strong, and enthusiast demand for six-cylinder M cars remains high.
For buyers considering long-term desirability, the M3's more traditional layout and proven mechanical package are major strengths.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S E Performance

7.5/10

The C63 is the more experimental car. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain is technically impressive, but it represents a major change from the C63 formula that built the model's reputation.
For some buyers, that innovation will be appealing. For others, the loss of the V8 and added drivetrain complexity may create hesitation.

Our Verdict

BMW M3 8/10

Mercedes Benz C-Class 7.9/10

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the 2024 BMW M3 Competition if you want the more complete driver's car. It is lighter, more cohesive, more practical and more connected to the performance sedan formula that made this rivalry famous.

Choose the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S E Performance if you want the more advanced and technically ambitious machine. It offers huge output, a richer cabin and plug-in hybrid capability, but it asks buyers to accept a very different AMG character.

The simplest way to separate them is this:

The M3 is the better driver's car. The C63 is the bolder engineering statement.

For many enthusiasts, the BMW will feel like the more natural successor to the classic performance sedan. For buyers who want the newest technology and can make use of plug-in hybrid driving, the Mercedes still has a clear appeal.

Explore Prestige Performance Cars at MCT Motorsport

From BMW M cars to Mercedes-AMG performance models, MCT Motorsport curates prestige vehicles for discerning Australian buyers. Browse our current inventory online or visit our Brisbane showroom to find a performance car that matches the way you drive.

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