The C-class outselling the 3 series is not a new thing. When the W203 C-class was introduced, almost EVERYONE (except die hard BMW fans) thought it was a very good looking sedan which looked like a mini S-class (W220). It was also the "sportiest" C-class ever and for the first few years of its introduction, the W203 also outsold the E46 3 series globally (which was introduced 2 years earlier). After the first few years, and the excitement died down over the C-class, sales dropped signficantly while E46 sales maintained a certain level, When the E90 3 series made its debut, it was game over for the W203 C-class.....the number of W203's sold in the last 2 years of its life (2006-2007) were pretty small.

So now, the same thing is happening. People are very excited about the new W204 C-class, and it is selling very well. The question is whether they can maintain this level of excitement and desirablity LONGER than what the W203 achieved relative to the 3 series.