Six Differences between BMW and Benz, Reliability, Driving Experience

The rivalry between BMW And Mercedes Benz is eternal, and magnificently pitched in every aspect one would conceive. From tongue in cheek advertisements about each other to the fight to pull one better in sales and technology, the struggle between the two most iconic automobile manufacturers is a treat for all of us.

But one of the most frequent, and probably difficult to answer questions is actually a comparison between the two. Which one is better, BMW And Mercedes Benz, as a brand and as an automobile manufacturer?

1. Reliability

The reliability of German-engineered cars has been a confusing question to many drivers. To know which car brand is more reliable you may have to use it for the long term. After 5 or 8 years of usage, each brand may have its own share of repair cost be it a Mercedes or BMW. When a car is not reliable that means it is going to give you trouble quite often and you may end up spending a lot of o maintenance. Mercedes cars have very advanced complex technology that works with supplier parts So, there could be a vast difference in the actual design and the execution due to which there are many faults. A BMW could also have wear and tear during the initial years and you may need to replace some expensive parts. In terms of reliability, both brands are almost the same and last longer than other economy brands.

2. Quality

The quality of a car could be a mix of its fine interiors, posh exterior, safety, performance features etc. Both Mercedes and BMW stand out in a crowd and while some prefer the Mercedes looks, the BMW has a class of its own. In terms of interiors, for smaller models, Mercedes has superior interiors whereas, for larger cars, BMW wins over. Performance-wise a BMW may be better than a Mercedes and opinions could differ as per the model you drive. For road safety, most consumers rely on a BMW when they have an option.

3. Driving Experience

According to a BMW driver, the Bavarian car is usually considered a better driving machine. The cars are lighter than MB and thus turn the corners better. Their sporting versions also have the best manual shifters, which are usually matched by MB by placing big engines in their models making them aggressive and unpredictable. BMW has another advantage over Mercedes; due to smaller engines and lower weights, they generally are more fuel-efficient.

4. Interior

BMW and Mercedes take two different directions when it comes to the interior, it’s quite clearly Ergonomics vs. Luxury. Mercedes models are known for their luxurious interiors, cocooned in leather and complimented with chrome and wood. In comparison, BMWs go towards ergonomics. If you view 3-series for example, everything is centralized on a console including the radio and its buttons and other controls that make the experience easier for the driver.

5. Styling:

This is something subjective, where both cars are loved by their respective fans. Both cars have their distinct shapes and a few defining characteristics. BMWs make their cars inclined forward with the cabin positioned more at the rear of the car and a long front bonnet. Mercedes, on the other hand, gives a regal look with long wheelbases and bionic shapes.

6. Customer Targeting

BMW’s target audience usually consists of younger drivers, whereas Mercedes generally appeals to older drivers. Having said that, both brands have been trying to expand their audience; Mercedes launched the new A-Class in 2013, which unlike the old version appeals to a younger customer base.