BMW VS Mercedes-Benz

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.

When you fork out the premium for a modern German luxury car, you’d have a reasonably high expectation. That said, when you go German, you’re certainly not starved for choices. Given that some of the world’s biggest car manufacturers are mostly German, there’s an eclectic range of German cars to peruse from.

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?”. The answer isn’t so black and white on the surface. Over the years, both Mercedes and BMW have appealed to different fanbases and built up an ardent following. Depending on who you talk to, you’ll receive different answers.

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, it might be fair to say that there’s no market that both automakers haven’t encroached upon.

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. Initially met with vexation from BMW enthusiasts, it’s apparent that the popular 2 Series, X1 and X2s are a necessary step for BMW.

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.

To be competitive in the field of luxury cars, you have to offer novelties and features lacking anywhere else. This has brought luxury manufacturers to widely incorporate vehicle networking which increases the number of sensitive electronics found in a modern car.

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.

This is immediately apparent when you take a look at reliability ratings, where BMW and Mercedes-Benz consistently rank below the industry average. With that said, in JD Power’s 2019 UK Vehicle Dependability Survey, Mercedes-Benz is clearly ahead of BMW, who actually came last.

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.

The honest truth is that if you’re getting into a Mercedes-Benz or BMW, you’re expected to be able to keep up with the hefty maintenance and occasional demand for workshop attention. There will be work that can only be conducted by specialists, and they charge more for their work.

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. Undoubtedly the overall aesthetics have evolved over the years, but even today we can see the application in modern form. Of course, design ideals change and innovate over the years.

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.

And today, we’ve seen the design slowly adapted into the new W177 A-Class, and in its segment, in terms of design, there really is nothing quite like it. However, when it comes to quality in this ‘budget’ premium sector, the BMW 1-Series outperforms with a better material application.

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.

BMW VS Mercedes-Benz: Driving

Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz proudly don their slogan – “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and “The Best or Nothing” respectively. Driving pleasure is clearly reigning amongst the top in terms of priority, and their models show.

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.

Recently, Mercedes-Benz has had a bit of an identity crisis. They were the luxurious choice, but the C-Class feels a bit too sporty to be an entry-level S-Class, and it’s intentional. However, come to the normal S-Class or even the E-Class, and it’s still an absolute joy to drive on normal roads. Composed yet suitably potent, if a bit disconnected.

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.

BMW VS Mercedes-Benz: Insurance and Safety

When it comes to the topic of insurance, there’s no way around it. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz performs rather exorbitantly. Because parts for them are expensive, and labour charges are high, insurance companies don’t want you to drive one at all, really.

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. 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.

Verdict

Finally, here’s why the comparison makes little sense – BMW and Mercedes-Benz actually make different types of luxury vehicles. BMW puts more priority on sportiness, while Mercedes stress more on smoothness and refinement.

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.

FAQS