News / Auto Review – BMW VS MERCEDES – WHICH BRAND IS BETTER FOR 2022? Folks always mention that if you want a luxury automobile, always buy German. It’s an overly succinct answer that leaves people with more questions. However, it’s fair to say that contemporary German cars deserve plaudits for maintaining such a high standard of automotive luxury. Nevertheless, when it comes to the topic of German luxury, two marques in particular pop into mind – BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Both of them are archetypal of German quality and are bywords for German luxury and engineering in their own rights. Given that both carmakers produce desirable cars, this immediately begs the question – “Do I go BMW or Mercedes-Benz?”.
Regardless, this leaves you pondering to yourself whether to go for the former or latter. Here’s a bit of an overview into one of the most enduring automotive rivalries that have helped advance automotive engineering in the past century. BMW VS MERCEDES-BENZ: CARS THEY MAKE Being some of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, BMW and Mercedes both produces a broad range of cars that are developed to appease to a diverse range of consumers.
In fact, to this date, both BMW and Mercedes have delved into some properly niche market segment. Most notably of late are their respective ventures into the world of electrification. Both marques have introduced hybrid and full EVs aplenty, as BMW and Mercedes-Benz have already pushed out hybrid variants of their bestsellers ages ago.
- This proves that both brands willingly progress for the inevitable EV age.
- Some of BMW’s strangest, quirkiest creations come from their electric lineup, the i-series of cars.
- Touting the ethos of sustained mobility, BMW’s all-electric lineup is forward-thinking.
- When you consider that the original BMW i3 came out all the way back in 2013.
This is back when full-EV cars were still in its infancy as the technology and infrastructure, in general, were largely conceptual. It’s not all bleak, monotonous electric and hybrids it makes though. BMW also produces the i8, one of the first commercially available small-engine hybrid sportscar. Recently, it has also brought back the 8 Series moniker, in the form of the stupendous new ‘G14/G15/G16′ 8 Series.
Of course, BMW is also an artisan in the classic longitudinal, rear-wheel-drive layout of cars. It has stuck with the concept ever since its inception. Until recently, it’s one of the last manufacturers to produce a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive hatchback – the F20/F21 1 Series. Some argue that the inline-6 1-series are the last great driver’s hatch to be produced in modern times.
Undoubtedly, BMW owns one of the most venerable letters in the world – ‘M’. Being BMW’s revered performance division, when the M letter is emblazoned on a BMW you know it’s got to be something spectacular. It’s not all about tyre-smoking prowess though, as BMW also produces normal front-engine front-wheel-drive cars for the masses.
Then there’s the usual lineup of BMW cars, from the compact executive 3 Series to the full-fat 7 Series luxobarge. Multiple engines are also available for each model, depending on where you live. For the extra-affluent, BMW also has Rolls-Royce for their ultra-luxurious lineup.
Mercedes-Benz is slower to the curve when it comes to full-EVs, but it has recently brought out major developments in the form of EQ mobility. In fact, it’s working towards electrifying all of its cars and propagating mild-hybrid technology throughout its range. It has also recently introduced full-EVs such as the EQC and EQV, with many more Mercedes EQ models in the pipeline.
Over the years, Mercedes has really diversified its range of cars. And let’s not downplay their contribution to the commercial world, as BMW, in contrast, has no commercial vehicle presence at all. Mercedes-Benz also has its own skunkworks in the form of AMG. Over the years, much like the M-division, AMG has graced the world with some properly manic concoctions, such as the CLK DTM AMG, R129 SL73 AMG, SLS AMG, and the list spans endlessly. Most recently AMG’s efforts have culminated in their magnum opus, the Mercedes-AMG One, an F1-road car hybrid from the madman’s fantasy.
Mercedes’s normal lineup of cars is encompassing. From the A-Class family hatch all the way to the S-Class luxury saloon. Although recently streamlined, you can still buy multiple variations of a certain model, with availability subjected to regional differences. For ultra-luxury, you’d be looking at Mercedes-Maybach models.
Therefore, both companies are rather even when it comes to cars the produce. While Mercedes-Benz makes the X-Class pickup, news are that it’ll be discontinued soon. That said, Mercedes-Benz is at the forefront when it comes to commercial vehicle production, and that’s really a segment BMW hasn’t explored at all.
BMW VS MERCEDES-BENZ: RELIABILITY This is the hot topic whenever there’s a discussion between BMW, Mercedes-Benz and even other German brands like Audi and Volkswagen – vehicle reliability, or lack thereof. Whenever you mention German luxury, people will disclose their own tales of woe from owning a German car.
Certainly, there are examples of German cars breaking down the moment it leaves the showroom. However, the same story can be told about Japanese or even American luxury cars. The truth is that when you’re investing in the notion of utmost luxury, you are demanding complications and experimental engineering that’s not industrially applied yet. Manufacturers dedicate unfathomable time and resources into development to implement the hottest technology available into their cars.
More links in the chain mean there are more to fail. It gives the impression that luxobarge breaks down more often and sooner. The benefit is that these breakthrough technologies eventually trickle down into the basic models, then become widespread amongst manufacturers.
But if you take a look at another survey done by WhatCar, Mercedes-Benz is behind BMW. On the UK Reliability Index, both makes are on par with each other. It’s inconclusive but fair to say that both manufacturers perform comparably when it comes to reliability.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW were the benchmarks for reliability half a century ago. Over time though, consumer demands for higher standards of technology and luxury have rendered this reputation impertinent. A reasonable conjecture can be understood here then, if you’re after reliability, look elsewhere. Both manufacturers struggle to score favourably in most brand reliability surveys.
Playing devil’s advocate, it’s worth noting that in JD Power’s 2019 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study both Mercedes-Benz and BMW finishes on the podium. This is in the Premium Brand segment, with Audi taking the lead. BMW VS MERCEDES-BENZ: DESIGN AND QUALITY In terms of design philosophy, both marques adhere to their own ethos.
When it comes to BMW, we’ve seen the design alter from the original and timeless ‘Sharknose’ to the modern-day ‘kidney grille’. It represents BMW’s idea of dynamism and constant motion. The positioning is subtly modified for varying models.
However, there are elements that you might’ve not noticed, yet BMW has stuck with for decades. Things like the ‘Hofmeister Kink’, a distinctive counter-curve at the C-pillar. All BMWs also have a crease line that courses through the entire side profile and a muscular aft end.
When it comes to Mercedes-Benz though, svelte yet imposing design is the motto. Mercedes-Benz dubs their design language ‘Sensual Purity’, and it denotes their take on modern luxury. What it essentially means is fewer creases, sharp edges and abrupt lines, all in the pursuit for veritable elegance.
Mercedes-Benz has always been the one who always proudly displays their badge for all to see. However, one model truly epitomises their notion – the S-Class. Over the years, the S-Class has always been understated, yet somehow exudes incredible road presence.
It’s also enticing to see Mercedes-Benz finally experimenting with their ‘Panamericana’ grille nowadays. This harkens back to the legendary W194 300 SL, Mercedes’s incredibly successful road racer.
Move onto the interior, and both manufacturers won’t disappoint you with the quality. Fit and finish is the name of the game if one wants to remain on top, and lacklustre quality isn’t acceptable at this level.
Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz presents a remarkable interior design and material choice. The W222 S-Class, in particular, presented the world with a new take on interior design. Introduced all the way back in 2013, it was one of the first car interiors that really made clever use of its construction and ambient lighting to present a theatre whenever you opened the doors.
Come to the E-Class or S-Class though, Mercedes-Benz is exemplary. Everywhere you touch it feels properly built, and the execution deserves plaudits. Of course, BMW’s interiors are worthy of mention too, but Mercedes is truly outstanding when it comes to vehicle interiors.
When it comes to their basic models, I reckon BMW is superior when it comes to the driving experience. BMW has always been the driver’s car, and it has long been said that the ultimate driver’s sportscar is the BMW M3. But then the normal 3 and 5-series got so good that some hesitate to recommend the extra cost of an M car.
Both manufacturers have it close with their performance-imbued models. Courtesy to their performance subdivision, both of them has presented the world with some truly intriguing creations.
The new AMGs are true rocketships, such as the latest Mercedes-AMG A45 S which is actually faster than the BMW M4 around the Nürburgring. Of course, it boasts a mighty turbocharged inline-4 that puts out over 400 horsepower and nigh 500 Nm of torque.
They also produce some properly rapid drivers with their signature 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that’s used across the 63 range and GT models. It’s always giggle-inducing to see the C63 S estate, a 4,000 lbs car that accelerates from 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds.
With all that said, people will rebuke with BMW M-division’s excellent résumé. Make no mistake, the folks over at M has churned out plenty of excellent cars over the years, and I’d say that BMW still remains a connoisseur at manufacturing inline-6 engines.
However, BMW still doesn’t have a real answer to the Mercedes-AMG GT lineup of cars, with the M8 being more comparable to the S-Class Coupe. But Mercedes-Benz has long forsaken manual in the AMG models, and the BMW M2 and M4 can still be found with a manual nowadays.
Indeed, across numerous insurance rate comparisons, cars manufactured by BMW and Mercedes-Benz tend to make the list. That’s with all the other supercars and luxury cars. There’s really no way around it, if you own a German luxury car, expect to spend a lot to insure it.
If there’s any consolation, they are also amongst the safest car you can buy. In the latest Euro NCAP rating, Mercedes-Benz models all score admirably in their tests, with some BMW models also taking the top spots. Regardless, they’re all 5-star Euro NCAP safety rated. Both the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and BMW 3 Series are both best in their respective class.
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BMW vs Mercedes: Which Is The Best Luxury Car?
The latest 3 Series scores 97% for adult occupancy protection and 87% for child protection and road user protection. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is laudable in how well it performs as a small family car – 96% for adult occupancy safety and 91% for both pedestrian safety and child occupancy protection.
- In addition to the deftly thought out design and engineering to make their cars as safe as possible in the event of a collision, both manufacturers also sport copious collision aversion systems.
- Mercedes-Benz, in particular, is an early adopter of collision avoidance technology.
- Their signature PRE-SAFE system was introduced all the way back in 2002, and has evolved over the years.
Prevention is the safest option. BMW VS MERCEDES-BENZ: HALO CARS Here’s a short break from all the serious talk, which company makes the best halo car? Of course, the highest-end BMW and Mercedes-Benz is inaccessible for majority of the population, but it impacts brand perception to a degree. Right now though there’s really nothing terrific from BMW just yet. A few years prior, it’s arguably the i8, a hundred grand worth of brilliantly engineered hybrid mid-engine grand tourer. But nowadays it’s probably the M8, the best sports grand tourer BMW can imagine.
For Mercedes, it’s eminently the AMG GTR, a firebreathing record-setting track monster most famously seen in green, navigating The Green Hell. On the front of the grin-factor, the i8 would have trouble topping the AMG GTR. What if we instead take a page out of their history? Both sides have come out with some incredible homologation specials that I’d imagine anyone would struggle to pick between.
BMW has the 3.0 CSL, the E46 M3, M1, Z8, E30 M3 Evolution II, etc. Right now, they also have the M4 GTS that’s worthy of note. Mercedes touts the SLR McLaren, CLK DTM AMG, CLK GTR, SLS AMG, 300 SEL 6.3, 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth, SL ‘Pagoda’, the SL ‘Gullwing’ and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG Project One.
All very attractive propositions. It’s very subjective, but Mercedes has indeed introduced more prominent poster children in the past. For me though, I still reckon the 3.0 CSL takes the cake, simply because it boasts an impressive history with a cool look, and it’s not entirely out of the picture that one could own a BMW E9 which still looks like the 3.0 CSL.
And both manufacturers have built up their own ardent fanbase over time, with a cult following on both sides. Chances are that it’s the brand and make that actually draws the buyers in, rather than the vehicle’s actual value.
That said if you have the money to spend on either a BMW or Mercedes, it’s very hard to go wrong with any model in their range nowadays. But it’s a general rule of thumb that if you want something sportier, stick to BMW; but if you want something premium and classy, Mercedes-Benz may suit you better.
One thing is for sure though, you won’t be disappointed by whichever car you end up with. As of late, Mercedes-Benz and BMW has really set the bar high for what a basic luxury car should offer and feel. Which one’s more reliable Mercedes-Benz or BMW? Back in the olden days, both Mercedes-Benz and BMW was known as the paragons for well-built, reliable luxury cars.
Nowadays though, due to complex electronics and increasing demand from consumers, these are bygone days. However, it’s safe to say that the mechanical bit of the cars, with regular maintenance, ought to be decently reliable. Which is more expensive, BMW or Mercedes-Benz? This is a difficult question to answer, as it heavily depends upon the variant and specs you chose for the car.
- On average though, Mercedes-Benz models typically come out to be more expensive if comparably specced.
- Is Mercedes-Benz the same as BMW? In some ways it may be increasingly difficult to differentiate, but really BMW tends to be a bit more on the sporty side.
- Mercedes-Benz has always put more emphasis on offering luxurious comfort, and other than the ‘sport’ models, that still applies.
Credit: Lee Keynes, Images: Motor Verso
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Which brand is better Mercedes or BMW?
BMW or Mercedes: Which is better? – If you are looking for attainable luxury, few cars can compete with BMW or Mercedes and both manufacturers are pretty neck and neck in comparison. While we have given BMW the slight edge in this guide, ultimately the choice is yours: we think BMW offers a better driving experience and range of models to suit all tastes but at the same time Mercedes offers better driver comfort and technology. Shabana Adam 14th November 2022
Shabana Adam 11th November 2022
Neil Thomason 9th November 2022
Shabana Adam 7th November 2022
Gareth Woods 7th November 2022
Gareth Woods 31st October 2022
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What is safer BMW or Mercedes?
Reliability and safety – When it comes to reliability and safety, it’s hard to pick a winner between BMW and Mercedes-Benz. BMW comes out on top for its vehicles’ overall dependability, with 12 quality and dependability awards from J.D. Power between 2019 and 2021.
- By comparison, Mercedes-Benz nabbed just two dependability awards and one quality award in the same time span.
- On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz edges BMW out slightly when it comes to safety ratings,
- With tons of driver assistance technology standard on most models, Mercedes-Benz had four models selected in 2021 as Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Insitute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including three Top Safety Pick+ winners.
In the same year, BMW had just three Top Safety Picks, none of which earned that golden “+” designation. In other words, if top-of-the-line safety technology is your priority, you’re better off going with a Mercedes-Benz, particularly the C-Class, E-Class, and GLE models that earned top marks from IIHS.
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What’s cheaper BMW or Mercedes?
In fact, you may be asking yourself, ‘Is Mercedes-Benz better than BMW?’ New Mercedes-Benz vehicles are often less expensive, especially at the base level. Not to mention, you can expect greater power, efficiency, and features for your money.
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Why BMW is the best?
Overall, BMW continues to reign supreme when it comes to most considered luxury vehicle. – So why is that? Let’s take a look! 1, They are always beautiful and high quality. BMW creates cars that are flawlessly and attractively design and made of high quality materials and parts.
- The company’s all-wheel-drive, for instance, is one of the top systems of its kind in the world and will tackle any terrain in any kind of weather.2,
- They are just different.
- There’s something special about the way a BMW appears, handles and carries drivers and passengers.
- Whatever that mysterious quality is (and we can guess it’s quality itself), it’s hard to leave the Brand.
In fact, BMW has worked for years to create the ultimate driving experience for you and it keeps innovating to the front of the pack. All you can do is test drive one to start to “get” it. BMW is Officially the “Most Considered” Luxury Car Brand in America – Blue BMW X5 3. They save you money in the long run. BMW’s aren’t cheap But they can save you money in the long run thanks to EfficientDynamics package offered on its vehicles. EfficientDynamics is an initiative by BMW to use less fuel and become more environmentally friendly with all of its vehicles.
At the same time BMW is resolute that it won’t sacrifice the optimal driving experience that its consumers have always demanded of the brand.4. High-Quality Cars. BMW is known for creating cars that are beautifully designed, and don’t lack when it comes to quality. The interior is just as high-quality as the exterior, with comfortable high-end leather seats.
All of the tech is top notch as well. BMW is Officially the “Most Considered” Luxury Car Brand in America – Grey BMW X4 5. They are fun the minute you sit down inside. Once you sit down behind the wheel and turn the ignition you will simply learn that they are fun to drive. More fun than just about any other competitor in terms of handling and performance.
It’s just something you have to try. BMW not only satisfies your need for speed but gives you optimal control and safety. Each model comes with top notch breaking and traction.6. There’s lots of variety. BMW comes in a wide range of sizes, body styles, and engines. No matter your lifestyle, there’s a BMW for you.
The optional features are endles s and you can create your own personalized automotive work of art. BMW is Officially the “Most Considered” Luxury Car Brand in America – White BMW M8 7. Another thing that sets BMW apart is BMW Assist, a system that allows BMW to locate your car and send the help that you need in a matter of minutes. Check it out here! See Our Latest!
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Which is more comfortable BMW or Mercedes?
While the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is one of the highest performing large luxury sedans on the road today, the overall winner when it comes to luxury performance is BMW. Any consumer looking for style and performance in the same convenient package should choose a vehicle produced by BMW.
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