BMW vs. Mercedes Benz

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Posted in Used Cars For Sale

If you’re thinking of buying a used luxury vehicle, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are probably the first auto brands that come to mind. Both of these automakers have long-standing reputations for producing top-quality vehicles with little to no flaws, making the task of choosing between them very difficult. However, you can determine which of the two brands suits you better by looking at how they fare in different departments. Check out this detailed comparison between BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Vehicle Variety

2018 BMWIt’s essential to have as many choices as possible when you’re shopping for a luxury vehicle so that you can find a model that perfectly fits your driving needs and lifestyle. Fortunately, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have an extensive selection of vehicles to cater to a wide range of drivers. 

For example, BMW’s lineup for the 2019 model year comprised seven sedans, seven SUVs, one sports car, and two plug-in hybrid roadsters. If you decide to purchase a 2019 Mercedes-Benz, you’ll have four sedans, five SUVs, two coupes, two sports cars, one high-performance car, and two minivans to choose from. While both automakers offer about the same number of models, Mercedes-Benz provides a more diverse array of vehicles. 

Performance

One of the main reasons why BMW and Mercedes-Benz are so popular among luxury car buyers is because of the outstanding performance of their vehicles. Both of these auto manufacturers equip their vehicles with potent engines capable of handling all kinds of driving tasks and delivering an engaging driving experience. 

However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are generally more powerful than BMW models. In a comparison of compact SUVs, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is rated at 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the 2019 BMW X3 produces only 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. For the ultimate driving excitement, consider getting the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT or the BMW M8 Competition, both of which can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in an incredible 3.1 seconds. 

When it comes to handling, you can expect to enjoy a refined and comfortable ride whether you opt for a Mercedes-Benz or BMW. Vehicles from these two brands are all fitted with well-tuned suspensions that strike the perfect balance between comfort and athleticism. Nevertheless, a BMW is usually lighter than a Mercedes-Benz, making it easier to maneuver in confined spaces and around corners. 

Fuel Efficiency

Due to their typically larger engines and heavier bodies, Mercedes-Benz vehicles tend to consume more fuel than their BMW counterparts. For instance, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a fuel-economy rating of 18/25 mpg (city/highway), whereas the 2019 BMW 3-Series returns a significantly higher 26/36 mpg.

Reliability

When you’re spending so much money to buy a luxury vehicle, you want to make sure the car you choose can deliver reliable performance for many years to come. Regardless of whether you buy a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, you’ll be driving one of the most dependable vehicles on the market. 

Then again, BMW seems to have an upper hand over its rival in this department. In a 2019 survey, J.D. Power found that the automaker had 122 problems per 100 vehicles, resulting in an “above average” reliability rating. Mercedes-Benz earned an “average” rating with 134 problems per 100 vehicles. 

Interior

As luxury vehicles, BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs feature exceptionally refined and well-appointed cabins that provide unparalleled comfort and pleasure. If you prefer a more opulent interior setting, a Mercedes-Benz may be a better choice because it usually comes with plenty of leather surfaces and aesthetically pleasing wood or chrome trim. A BMW, on the other hand, focuses more on being ergonomically friendly. All of its controls are conveniently located within easy reach of the driver, allowing you to adjust the audio, temperature, and other settings with just the movement of a fingertip. 

Amenities

Another benefit of buying either a BMW or Mercedes-Benz is that you and your passengers will have a wide range of features to keep you comfortable, relaxed, and entertained on the road. Nevertheless, if you want your vehicle to have the best possible feature content, you may be better off getting a BMW. For the sake of comparison, let’s take a look at the standard features available in the 2019 BMW 7 Series and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class:

2019 BMW 7 Series

  • Leather upholstery.
  • 14-way power front seats.
  • Heated front seats.
  • Quad-zone automatic climate control.
  • Proximity keyless entry. 
  • Push-button start.
  • Panoramic moon-roof.
  • iDrive infotainment system.
  • 10.2-inch touch-screen display.
  • Voice and gesture controls.
  • Wi-Fi hot spot.
  • Wireless device charging. 
  • Two USB ports.
  • 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. 
  • Bluetooth.
  • HD radio.
  • Apple CarPlay.
  • Navigation.

2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

  • Leather upholstery.
  • Power front seats.
  • Heated front seats.
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control.
  • Panoramic sun-roof.
  • COMAND infotainment system.
  • 12.3-inch touch-screen display.
  • Wireless device charging.
  • Touchpad controller.
  • 13-speaker Burmester sound system.
  • Bluetooth.
  • Satellite radio.
  • Android Auto.
  • Apple CarPlay.
  • Navigation.

Safety

Safety is an important consideration for vehicle buyers, especially those who regularly drive their families around. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz make exceedingly safe vehicles that score well in crash safety tests and come with an abundance of basic and advanced safety features. However, a BMW generally offers more driver-assistance features than a Mercedes-Benz. Below are the standard active safety features found in the 2019 BMW X7 and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class:

2019 BMW X7

  • Blind-spot detection.
  • Automatic emergency braking. 
  • Pedestrian detection.
  • Forward-collision alert.
  • Automatic high-beams.
  • Adaptive headlamps.
  • Lane-departure alert.
  • Front and rear parking sensors.
  • Rear cross-traffic warning.
  • Rearview camera.
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

  • Forward-collision alert.
  • Automatic emergency braking.
  • Crosswind assistance.
  • Rearview camera.
  • Driver-condition monitoring.

Warranty

If you buy a used late-model luxury vehicle, you may still have a valid manufacturer’s warranty. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer a warranty that lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, you’ll probably get better protection if you choose a BMW because it also comes with a limited 12-year corrosion warranty without mileage limitation. 

Whether you decide to buy a used BMW or Mercedes-Benz, you can get a great deal on your chosen model at NJStateAuto. Feel free to contact us if you want to schedule a test drive.