For almost 30 years, German automotive giants BMW and Mercedes have been arguing over whose cars are faster in acceleration, more reliable, and more comfortable for the driver and passengers. BMW and Mercedes vehicles have much in common. Both brands try to make the best vehicles in every existing niche – executive sedans, SUVs, sports cars. They possess traits that attract almost all motorists:
- the usual rear-wheel drive;
- the same ignition locks;
- longitudinally mounted engines;
- almost identical spring suspensions.
At the same time, similar models of both manufacturers are close in price but completely different in design features, technological characteristics, and degree of suitability in certain conditions. The car mavens from the Indianapolis used car dealership Indy Auto Man explain how to decide on the best German car brand. Read also a detailed BMW vs. Mercedes vs. Audi comparison on indyautoman.com used car dealership, Indiana.
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Premium Class Conservatism
The BMW and Mercedes brands have significantly expanded the number of niches they occupy over the past ten years. Now they make sports cars – roadsters and sports coupes, but the main supply and demand occur in the class of luxury sedans and SUVs. Vehicles from different classes are produced in separate factories located in different cities. New models come out independently and are not interconnected.
At the same time, the entire premium class is united by prestige, reliability, and a certain conservatism. The appearance of cars in the series rarely changes, sometimes less than once every ten years. The color scheme is not diversified – it is modest and traditional. The point is that when buying a luxurious premium car, a person wants to feel its relevance, elegance, and at the same time, reliability for many years. Both Mercedes and BMW offer this experience to their customers.
Main Distinctive Features of BMW
BMW cars have a common distinctive feature – a unique driving pleasure. It consists of precise handling, power, ease of movement, soundproofing of the cabin, the comfort of the seats, and the evenness of torque from low to high engine speeds. For example, a two-liter engine from BMW on a similar car will give the dynamics of a three-liter engine from Mercedes. Fans of the brand are talking about the BMW virus. They say that after sitting behind the wheel of one of the cars of this concern, a person never wants to change it to any other. It is also often said that BMW is a driver’s car.
But these advantages entail certain minuses. BMW cars are less economical than Mercedes and less versatile in purpose. They are bought for pleasure and rarely for corporate use.
Mercedes Makes Difference
Mercedes vehicles can boast of exceptional handling. Regardless of the model, a car of this brand reacts to all driver actions quickly and with due smoothness. A steering wheel, clutch, gearbox, brake system – all work flawlessly.
Another considerable advantage of the Mercedes models is the most modern technologies. The engines installed on the Mercedes cars are very complex units. They are characterized by increased service life and reliability compared with analogs from other German brands.
At the same time, the E-class Mercedes, a large prestigious vehicle, serves as a luxury taxi in many countries, including the US. Corporations often buy it for their employees and themselves. Such cars are more likely to be bought by a prudent and scrupulous person than a reckless egoist.
Mercedes’ cars hold their value better than their BMW rivals, but in general, both brands depreciate fast like most luxury vehicles. This is bad news for those who buy new cars but great news for future used car owners. Buying a 3-5-year-old premium car from BMW or Mercedes will bring the owner not only prestige, reliability, and comfort but also economic feasibility. If you buy such a car for about $25,000, you will sell it for $22,000 in three years.
The Winner of the Battle
Mercedes is a car for passengers. That is, for those who primarily appreciate comfort and ideal conditions on a trip. The car is thought out to the smallest detail and is designed specifically for a business and respectable person. After small cosmetic and technical additions, it may become a good street racer, but nobody wants to kill its noble soul with useless upgrades.
BMW is primarily suitable for driving enthusiasts. Those who do not accept sitting in the back seat and drinking champagne while talking on the phone, but prefer to be at the forefront, should consider one of the BMW models.
In any case, choosing any vehicle from these two concerns, you will definitely win.
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