BMW excels in driving dynamics and handling with sportier tuning, while Mercedes-Benz focuses on luxury comfort, advanced infotainment, and refined ride quality. BMW averages 15-20% lower prices for comparable segments, whereas Mercedes commands premium positioning with higher starting prices across model lines.
BMW vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury automaker known for performance-oriented vehicles with agile handling and turbocharged engines.
German luxury automotive leader with premium positioning, advanced technology, and global prestige.
Starting Price (Entry Sedan). Engine Performance (3-Series vs C-Class). Infotainment System Generation (2024). EPA Fuel Efficiency (3-Series). Warranty Coverage (Basic). Luxury Interior Materials. Average Maintenance Cost (5-year)
Choose BMW if you prioritize sporty handling, superior acceleration, lower operating costs, and value-oriented pricing. Choose Mercedes-Benz if you demand cutting-edge infotainment technology, maximum interior refinement, prestige badge recognition, and a more serene driving experience focused on comfort over performance.
BMW: 2.55 Million | Mercedes-Benz: 2.49 Million
BMW: $49 Billion | Mercedes-Benz: $61 Billion
BMW: 553 lb-ft | Mercedes-Benz: 570+ lb-ft
BMW: Traditional integrated | Mercedes-Benz: Software-defined
BMW: XM plug-in redesigned | Mercedes-Benz: GLC turbocharged refined
BMW: New 3-Series, refreshed 7-Series, ALPINA B7 | Mercedes-Benz: New S-Class with enhanced tech
BMW: Sport-oriented handling | Mercedes-Benz: Comfort-oriented refinement
BMW: Silicon carbide inverters on i4 | Mercedes-Benz: EQS 400/550 4MATIC models
BMW: 15+ models including new i3 sedan | Mercedes-Benz: 14+ models with EQS expansion
BMW: 4 years standard | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years standard
BMW: iDrive 8.5 with gesture recognition | Mercedes-Benz: MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art
BMW: 4 years/50,000 miles basic | Mercedes-Benz: 4yr/50k mi
BMW: XM: 523 hp redesigned | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: i4: 301 miles with new tech | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: i4: 108 MPGe with silicon carbide tech | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: M440i: 3.9 seconds | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: Nappa leather, advanced ambient tech | Mercedes-Benz: Ultra-premium throughout
BMW: 5-star equivalent modern systems | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: 6+ models including redesigned X5 | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: iDrive: 1920x720 | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: i4 eDrive40 (18-inch wheels) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: M4 Competition | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: Premium traditional, physical controls, luxury materials | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: Quarterly scheduled updates | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: Level 2 with advanced driver assistance | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: BMW home charging with faster technology (2026) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: 382 hp (B58 3.0L turbo) | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (M256 3.0L turbo)
BMW: 32 combined | Mercedes-Benz: 30 combined
BMW: 12.3-inch iDrive | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches
BMW: Leather trim with high-quality plastics | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout
BMW: 4.4 seconds (M340i) | Mercedes-Benz: 3.2 (AMG C63)
BMW: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
BMW: 149 mph (3 Series) | Mercedes-Benz: 149 mph (C-Class)
BMW: 301 miles (iX xDrive50) | Mercedes-Benz: 312 miles (EQS 450+)
BMW: 4 years / 50k miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50k miles
BMW: 16.5 cu ft (3 Series) | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (C-Class)
BMW: 12.3 (iDrive) | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 (MBUX Digital)
BMW: 5 engines | Mercedes-Benz: 4 engines
BMW: 5.2 seconds | Mercedes-Benz: 5.7 seconds
BMW: 10.25 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 inches
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14.4 inches (S-Class)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG combined (C-Class estimated)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (GLE 350 base)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L turbocharged)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu.ft. (C-Class)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Premium luxury pricing baseline
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3,580 lbs (C-Class est.)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Varies (not standard)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50+ models globally
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 827 (above industry avg)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $65,000 (2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Level 3 (Drive Pilot, limited markets)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 1,400+ dealerships
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 138 years (est. 1886)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50k miles
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.6s (C63 AMG)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12 (C, E, S-Class, CLA, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, EQE, EQS, EQC)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,800 (C-Class)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX Hyperscreen (9.5/10)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Optional (4MATIC)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: EQE, EQS, EQC (strong)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG GT 63 S)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $43,550 (C-Class)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 456 miles (EQS 580)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 9-speed automatic
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $1,680 (mid-size luxury)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (founded 1926)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 6+ EV models across segments
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 42% depreciation
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 40,000+ (Drive Pilot)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L Turbo)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 23 MPG combined
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 125 years (founded 1901)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.9 sec (AMG GT)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5+ (EQE, EQS, EQE SUV, EQC, EQA)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,000 (C-Class base, 2024)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with ChatGPT integration (2024+)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $108,000 (S-Class)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580e)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 150+ countries
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 of 11 lineup
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 9 models (4 hybrid + 5 EV)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $45,650 (C 300)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $65,900 (GLE 350)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C 63)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580 4MATIC)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-3)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Interior Material Standard (Leather Type)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa (standard on most trims)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 8 EV models (EQE, EQS, EQC, EQA, EQE SUV, EQS SUV, EQG coming)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $43,250 (C-Class, 2024)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (Compact, Sedan, SUV, Coupe, Cabriolet, AMG Performance, Maybach Ultra-Luxury, EV lines)
Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan Base Model)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Hand-stitched Nappa leather, ambient lighting
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI (9.1/10 - highest rated)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 345 mi (EQS 580)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 81 (Above Average)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.8 seconds (AMG E63 S)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 186 mph (AMG E63 S)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11 (C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLA, GLC, GLE, GLA, C63 AMG, EQC, Maybach, SL)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Model)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG C63)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 260 miles (EQE 53 AMG)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $47,900 (C-Class)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 400,000 (public network partnerships)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 47 models across all powertrains
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 22 minutes (250 kW DC charging)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 170+ countries
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (Founded 1926)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG (2024 C-Class base)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 15+ models across all powertrains
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50% EV sales target by 2030
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $68,500 (E-Class)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 535 km (EQS 450+)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.35 million (2024)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3-inch MBUX
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C63)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 7.2 L/100km (C300 manual)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.8 sec (C300 2024)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (sedans, SUVs, AMG, EQ-series)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches OLED
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 28 MPG (C300 base)
How to choose between BMW and Mercedes-Benz
BMW vs Mercedes-Benz — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for BMW vs Mercedes-Benz. Contains 307 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
BMW vs Mercedes-Benz — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for BMW vs Mercedes-Benz.
Which brand is more reliable: BMW or Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz edges ahead with a 2024 J.D. Power reliability score of 81/100 vs BMW's 78/100. However, both brands are within average range for luxury vehicles. BMW averaged 1.2 issues per 100 vehicles, while Mercedes averaged 1.4 issues per 100 vehicles in 2023-2024 data.
Is BMW cheaper to maintain than Mercedes?
Yes. BMW's 5-year maintenance estimate averages $4,800 compared to Mercedes' $5,400 (12.5% higher). Oil changes cost $150-200 for BMW vs $180-250 for Mercedes. However, both brands exceed mainstream luxury competitors in long-term ownership costs.
Which has better technology and infotainment?
Mercedes-Benz leads with its MBUX Hyperscreen featuring a 12.3-inch display, integrated AI voice control, and 2024 software updates. BMW's iDrive 8 is competent but uses an older architecture (2015 base). Mercedes' system responds faster and integrates better with iOS/Android ecosystems.
BMW is faster. The 3-Series accelerates 0-60 in 5.2 seconds with 382 hp, beating the C-Class at 5.7 seconds with 369 hp. The M340i reaches 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Mercedes' AMG variants (C63) match or exceed BMW's M models but at higher price points.
What's the price difference between BMW and Mercedes?
Mercedes starts at $56,200 for the C-Class while BMW begins at $47,400 for the 3-Series—an $8,800 difference (18.6% premium for Mercedes). This gap widens with SUVs: GLE ($57,250) vs X5 ($62,200), making BMW the more affordable entry point across most segments.
How to Choose Between BMW and Mercedes-Benz
Starting Price (Entry Sedan): BMW has $47,400, while Mercedes-Benz has $56,200.
Consider: Engine Performance (3-Series vs C-Class)
Engine Performance (3-Series vs C-Class): BMW has 382 hp turbocharged I6, while Mercedes-Benz has 369 hp turbocharged I6.
Consider: Infotainment System Generation (2024)
Infotainment System Generation (2024): BMW has iDrive 8 (9-year-old architecture), while Mercedes-Benz has MBUX Hyperscreen (latest 2024 update).
Consider: EPA Fuel Efficiency (3-Series)
EPA Fuel Efficiency (3-Series): BMW has 24 city / 33 highway mpg, while Mercedes-Benz has 23 city / 32 highway mpg.
Warranty Coverage (Basic): BMW has 4 years / 50,000 miles, while Mercedes-Benz has 4 years / 50,000 miles.
Luxury Interior Materials: BMW has Leather, Alcantara, real wood trim, while Mercedes-Benz has Leather, Nappa, aluminum, wood (premium).
Consider: Average Maintenance Cost (5-year)
Average Maintenance Cost (5-year): BMW has $4,800, while Mercedes-Benz has $5,400.