The D-segment sedan
class in Malaysia is no longer a car. Intended for typical owners This is for people. Who still appreciate the driving dynamics and feel of a low-slung sedan. And not the tall and ubiquitous SUVs. Wandering along our roads.
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technical specifications
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full review
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BMW 3 Series
The latest German sedan in this segment is the G20 BMW 320i Sport , introduced last January in Malaysia.
Throughout its life, the BMW 3 Series has been very much
a driver's car, echoing the BMW slogan. However, over the years, competitors have caught up to the game. And Series 3 had a pretty eventful life. To defend your coveted title.
(2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Gallery
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Technical Specifications
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Full Review
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class
It's hard to believe that Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205
already 6 years.
The C-Class received a mid-life update back in 2021 to keep up with the rest of its rivals, and the entry-level C200 ditched its previous 2.0-liter turbocharged unit for a new 1.5-liter EQ Boost turbocharged mild-hybrid engine. There should be a new model coming soon,
but we're honestly thinking.
That the C200 still has that. What does he take against his competitor.
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Technical Specifications
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Full Review
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Toyota Camry
- this is the quintessence of
the X V70 Camry - it's anything but that. Toyota went back to the drawing board with this one, turning the Camry into a sedan. Which is fun and dynamic to control, and renamed it into
a slogan of sorts. Which As the only Japanese rival in this comparison. Does he have that? What is needed against the BMW 320i and Mercedes-Benz C200? Let's start.
General information
You might think we're crazy to compare the Toyota Camry to German sedans, after all, they are a major player in the premium sedan segment, right? Sorry to burst your bubble as this is no longer the case. The Japanese grew up that way. That they rightfully deserve a place between these two countries.
The Camry is obviously the cheapest option here, with the only 2.5V variant priced at RM 196,888. However, it is generously equipped with features such as Toyota Safety Sense, Bi-LED headlights, 10-inch color heads-up display , 9-speaker JBL surround sound system. Qi wireless charging tray and the only power-adjustable steering wheel in its class.
Unfortunately, it falls short in the mechanical department against its two German rivals, forced to rely on the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder 2A RF E engine with 184 hp. With. and 235 Nm. Mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The BMW 320i Sport starts at RM 248,800, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder B48 engine producing 184 PS. With. and 300 Nm. Which is 70 Nm more. Than the Camry. Power is transferred to the rear wheel by an 8-speed ZF automatic torque converter.
The aging Mercedes-Benz C200 is the most expensive of the trio, with prices starting from RM259,888. However, it is the only car with a combination of turbocharging and a mild hybrid system to support its asking price. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 184 hp. With. and 280 Nm of torque. And an additional 13 liters. With. and 160 Nm are available from the EQ Boost electric motor. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic torque converter.
In the 0-100 km/h sprint test, the 320i is fastest overall with 7.1 seconds. Despite the bizarre combination of turbocharging and mild hybrid system with instantaneous power delivery from a stop. The C200 did the job in just 7.7 seconds. Unsurprisingly, the Camry is the slowest of them all. Taking your own sweet time with 10.5 seconds.
Fundamental differences
Despite their adherence to the same operational requirements, both manufacturers have their own special features that distinguish them favorably from other companies. First of all, it is worth noting the different model range. Both Toyota and BMW offer a variety of body style options. Common ones include sedans, SUVs, crossovers and sports cars. But only Japanese designers also took up the production of other models, including pickups, minivans and frame SUVs. Starting as a manufacturer of textile looms, Toyota has grown into a huge international industrial empire . Now her interests, in addition to private transport, also include military equipment, unmanned vehicles, space engineering and famous robots. At the same time, the cost of a Toyota car is much more attractive than that of its direct competitors – the Germans.
Toyota cars can rightfully be called popular and democratic in all respects. Every motorist will be able to choose a model for himself, both according to his taste and financial capabilities. BMW initially could not boast of budget models, which led to Japanese expansion on the roads.
It is also worth noting that in the Asian model range there are cars with different capacities, characterized by a smooth ride, ease of repair and elegant design. All this fundamentally contradicts the structure of the Bavarian concern. Some drivers find the BMW suspension a bit harsh , but at the same time, you can maneuver it with ease, and the steering system of the car never lets you down. The German does not have a smooth ride either, the car seems to “rip” at the start, emitting a characteristic powerful engine sound, but this, in fact, attracts many buyers. Unfortunately, the aggressive nature of the car often works against the brand. Thus, BMW has long had a reputation as a “cattle car.”
In addition, the need for constant qualified maintenance is the calling card of this car. Experts believe that Japanese technicians managed to adapt their product to the realities of Russian roads (no sensitive suspension, ceramic coating, maximum resistance to sudden climate changes), while German engineers adhere to consistency in assembly and design, which is not always suitable for drivers in our country.
Also, they note the high cost of warranty service for BMW and spare parts, while Toyota is in an acceptable price category and you can easily find all the necessary elements for such models.
Looking at all these differences, it is important to note one more interesting property. BMW is rapidly falling in price , and servicing used vehicles is more than expensive. Toyota, although not the standard of the car market, still wins in terms of the amount of money saved on maintenance and operation, and you can drive such a car for years.
An interesting feature is also customer focus . The company has developed its market strategy at different levels based on an assessment of customer needs - global, regional and national. In an effort to maintain its reputation, the manufacturer announced a corporate strategy for maintaining a new standard of auto quality, designating a 5-year warranty for all cars purchased after June 1, 2010, assuring that even the smallest imperfections will be corrected.
Comfort
This is where the Toyota Camry shines among its competitors. We have already mentioned this countless times. And we stand firm in our belief - the Camry is the most comfortable D-segment sedan in its class, that much. That even it outshines both German competitors. The ride is supple but not too firm over bumps, and it slides. Like a sleek sailor's ship.
The leather seats are supportive and comfortable. But they lose out a bit in terms of premium feel and perceived quality. Additionally, the X V70 Camry retains its signature shoulder adjustment switch. So man. Sitting in the back. Can move the front passenger seat forward.
The BMW 320i G20 rides firmer than its predecessor. And this becomes apparent at lower speeds and on poorer surfaces. Where there are quite a lot of imperfections. Lifted from the asphalt. It's not painted or sharp to the point of being overly firm like the C200, but it's still not quite up there against the Camry.
However, for those Those used to the F30 3 Series will appreciate the firmer ride compared to the soft and wavy F30. The cabin has been given a slight makeover and feels more upmarket. The sooner. In terms of softness, it's a little better than the Camry. But can't quite match the offering in the C200.
You would think that being a Mercedes-Benz. Comfort will be his strong point. To be fair. It is the least convenient of the three. Surprised? The rebound damping is too harsh even in normal mode. And the damper is pushed down too much for its own good. Taking your own sweet time during the squeeze. Even the Airmatic-equipped C300 is no better.
He doesn't have the quietest cabin among the other two. What it does account for is the quality of the cabin materials. Despite my age. It still feels a little more premium. Than like 320i. So is the Camry.
Do the brands have anything in common?
In 2012, Toyota and BMW signed a cooperation agreement in several areas of production. Among other things, they were supposed to jointly develop a new sports car based on the Supra and Z4. Nothing has come of this yet. Even the environmental standards of engines, which were originally the idea of the relationship between the companies, are still different: BMW is higher, Toyota is lower. So which car is better - BMW or Toyota?
Disadvantages and advantages of cars
Companies have different emphasis and priorities. BMW is dynamics, status, speed, comfort. Toyota is all about reliability and durability. From year to year, the Japanese are desperately trying to keep up with European style, trying to make their cars visually more massive and aggressive, and their interiors more solid. This is not to say that they succeeded. However, this is not why they are loved.
Toyota:
- This is the leader in service among all mass-produced cars. According to statistics, over 10 years, owners spend an average of about 5.5 thousand dollars on its maintenance. For comparison, BMW for the same period requires from $17,000. This difference is formed not only because of the reliability of Toyota - the abundance of analogue components and their prices also plays an important role. For BMWs, only original spare parts are often used, and some elements are replaced as entire units;
- Toyota traditionally has spacious and comfortable interiors. Yes, the quality of materials often leaves much to be desired, but people above average height don’t have to think about where to put their legs and “pumped up” sides;
- The Japanese are progressing tirelessly. Each subsequent model takes into account the mistakes of its predecessor; Toyota is already catching up with the Europeans in design, driving performance, handling, electronics and many other indicators. Which, unfortunately, cannot be said about BMW cars, the durability of which decreases every year;
- the price range usually ranges from “low-average” to “high” class, which makes a car of the same series accessible to different categories of the population. And in comparison with a BMW, a Toyota of the same year with similar characteristics will cost almost 2 times less in the showroom. On the secondary market, this difference decreases slightly, but only because of the demand for “Japanese” and the low demand for “Germans”.
BMW
- First of all, it is dynamics and power. The Germans are fast, strong, and pick up speed instantly. It's all about engines that make optimal use of their qualities;
- in a BMW at a speed of 120 km/h the driver feels as if the speedometer is 80, in a Toyota it’s the opposite. Driving a BMW is a real pleasure, the car maintains balance at any speed and demonstrates minimal steering response time;
- car status. The design, interior, and quality of materials from the Germans are at the highest level. Even when driving representatives of category “D”, you get the impression that you are behind the wheel of a business class car. The soundproofing of the cabin deserves special attention;
- fuel consumption. Long gone are the days of jokes about 20 liters per 100 meters; new BMW models are some of the best cars in this parameter.
Ride and Handling
Positioning it as sporty and dynamic. The Toyota Camry benefits from Toyota's TNG A architecture. Striking a great balance between the two. To be too athletic and too soft. Never mind the aging 2A RF E engine. Driving experience alone is enough. So that you don't notice his Achilles heel.
Compared to the 320i, the Camry glides around corners with maximum refinement without being overly refined, and that feeling you get is undeniable. They attract tech. Who is looking for a balanced offer. The same feeling extends to the steering. Because the Camry exhibits a more relaxed and graceful feel. Adding a luxurious feel to it.
The BMW 320i benefits from new geometry and an improved chassis. Which allows the new car to smooth the corner at a higher limit. Effectively allowing you to explore more. The sooner. The partner ZF eight-speed automatic transmission continues its delicate work. Silky smooth. Responsive and ready to follow your commands.
However, the rear end becomes twitchy and busy. When you drive too hard. And this may be a little inconvenient for some. The steering remains light to the touch but quick and clean on center. Responsive when applying blocking. Although most of the feedback mainly comes from the chassis.
Compared to the Camry and 320i, the Mercedes-Benz C200 is completely superior in the handling department. The firm damping certainly made the C200 a performer. Passing turns. But even then it's not as good as the 320i. Additionally, the light steering has a tiny dead center in a straight line and exhibits vague feel during corners. That this is so confidently not inspiring.
Its saving grace, however, is the 1.5-liter EQ Boost transmission. Thanks to the torque from the electric motor always available on demand, the engine is economical. Punchy and smooth.
fuel efficiency
During our own test, the Camry averaged 7.7 liters/100km on city roads with a mix of gentle and heavy traffic. In our opinion, fuel consumption is about what you'd expect for a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine in a D-segment sedan.
BMW claims. That sporty combined fuel consumption of the 320i is rated at 6.3 l/100 km. And CO2 emissions are 144 g/km.
While Mercedes-Benz claims. What the C200 does is 7.2-6.3 liters/100km in mixed driving. With combined CO2 emissions of 165-144 g/km. The presence of a 48-volt electric motor allows the C200 to further reduce fuel consumption.
Practicality
Trunk space in Toyota Camry.
If space is that. What you need, the Camry's 493 liters are the largest here, enough. To swallow your boss's luggage for a long business trip outside the station. The Camry also comes with 60:40 split folding rear seats if you have more storage.
Trunk space in BMW 320i.
The 320i's boot capacity is 480 litres, which is similar to that of the F30, although BMW claims. That the new model makes better use of this volume. As before. The 40:20:40 split rear backrests provide versatility when transporting longer items.
Space in the trunk of a Mercedes-Benz C200.
Like the 320i, the C200 also has 480 liters of boot space with the option of a split rear seatback in a 40:20:40 configuration.
Infotainment & Security
The Camry's 8-inch touchscreen system is the smallest here. But it is paired with an amazing 9-speaker JBL sound system.
The JBL sound system in the Toyota Camry is pure eargasm!
Compared to two German competitors, we personally think. That it has the best sound system in this comparison.
It's just a shame that it doesn't support Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
otherwise he would be perfect.
The BMW head unit is sleek, but there is no Android Auto support.
The 320i has an 8.8-inch touchscreen that runs BMW's 6.0 operating system, but it only supports Apple Car Play. BMW is talking about this because of Android Auto privacy concerns. Because BMW doesn't want to. For Google to show ads to its customers.
Ironically. The BMW Digital Key feature is only available to Android smartphone users.
We elaborated on BMW's inconsistency on this issue in this separate article.
if you want to know more about this issue. Returning to the topic. The entry-level 320i gets by with just 6 speakers on board. Which is the least number of speakers among its two competitors.
The Mercedes-Benz C200's floating head unit still performs best.
And this is where the C200 comes into its own. The Audio 20's 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen features Apple Car Play. So is Android Auto. All of them are played through 9 speakers for thorough sound.
While it couldn't match the fantastic JBL sound in the Camry, with the inclusion of Apple Car Play and Android Auto it certainly is. The most comprehensive infotainment system in this comparison.
Here are some of the Toyota Safety Sense features in the Toyota Camry.
In terms of safety, the Camry comes with 7 airbags. ABS with EBD, TRC. ESC and ISOFI X as standard. It also comes with Toyota Safety Sense ADA S
, which includes:
- Pre-collision system (pcs)
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRC C)
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCT A)
Reverse assistance in BMW 320i.
When the G20 BMW 3 Series was first launched in Malaysia. She was criticized for that. That it doesn't include ADA S as standard. BMW Malaysia took some time to fix this,
but all 3 Series now come with
the Driving Assistant package, which includes:
- Lane Change Warning (LCW)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Front collision warning with brake intervention (AEB)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCT A)
- Rear Collision Prevention (RCP)
- Speed Limit Information
The number of airbags is 6, the knee airbag is missing. Available in Camry. Other security features. Such as ABS with EBD, TRC. ESC and ISOFI X are standard on the 320i.
Some driving assistance features are available in the Mercedes-Benz C200.
He may be old. But the C200 comes with 7 airbags along with similar safety equipment features. Such as Camry.
With Mercedes-Benz Driving Assistance Plus you get:
- Active remote assistance DISTRONIC
- Active Steering Assistant
- Active Brake Assist with Cross Traffic Assist
- Evading Steering Assistant
- Active Emergency Stop Assist
- Active Blind Spot Help
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- PRE-SAF E® PLU S
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
In this case, we can conclude that Camry. And the C200 is well equipped in the safety department. Featuring more driver assistance technologies compared to the 320i. The fact that BMW needed it a year later. To have ADA S as standard. It's puzzling.
Centuries-old BMW traditions
BMW is a legendary Bavarian concern that began its work back in 1916 . This brand belongs to the category of cars that you want to own. It’s not for nothing that one of the company’s slogans says: if you know about the existence of BMW, you are either an owner or want to become one. This is not just a brand, it is a direct embodiment of quality, prestige and exclusivity. BMW is a car for those who value status, power and confidence on the road, for those who do not deny themselves anything. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact of 1995, when one of the models became the legendary car of James Bond in the star film about the spy.
Historically, the company was founded as a manufacturer of aircraft engines . This idea is largely reflected in the production of cars. First of all, the German company is famous for producing truly reliable cars. By purchasing a BMW, you will definitely be sure that it will serve you without any problems. A person experiences approximately the same degree of confidence when entering the cabin of an airplane. Another advantage of BMW is its stylish design. At the same time laconic and daring, combining the features of a sports car and class comfort, it is equally suitable for both established businessmen and young people, men and women.
