BMW excels in driving dynamics and handling with sport-focused engineering, while Mercedes-Benz prioritizes luxury comfort and advanced infotainment systems. BMW typically costs 5-15% less for comparable models, whereas Mercedes commands premium pricing for its brand prestige and cutting-edge technology.
BMW vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury automaker renowned for sport-oriented sedans, coupes, and performance engineering.
Iconic German luxury brand synonymous with prestige, performance, and heritage since 1886.
Average Price (Entry Luxury Sedan). Engine Performance (3-Series vs C-Class). Interior Luxury Rating. Infotainment System. Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2025). Electric Vehicle Lineup. Customer Satisfaction (2025)
Choose BMW if you prioritize driving performance, handling precision, better reliability ratings, and value for money—ideal for drivers who want sporty dynamics without excessive premium pricing. Choose Mercedes-Benz if you demand maximum interior luxury, advanced AI-powered infotainment, prestigious brand heritage, and a broader electric vehicle selection—perfect for buyers seeking ultimate comfort and cutting-edge technology.
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: 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" (iDrive 8) | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3" (MBUX with AI)
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: 382 hp (3-Series M440i) | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (C43 AMG)
BMW: 4.6s (3-Series M440i) | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6s (C43 AMG)
BMW: 3 models (i4, iX, i7) | Mercedes-Benz: 5 models (EQE, EQS, EQG, EQE SUV, EQS SUV)
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: 382 hp (M440i xDrive) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: 72 dB @ 70 mph | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
BMW: $45,900 | Mercedes-Benz: $47,900 (C-Class)
BMW: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4yr/50k mi
BMW: 35 MPG (340i) | Mercedes-Benz: 33 MPG (C 300)
BMW: 0.15s (8-speed automatic) | Mercedes-Benz: 0.1s (9-speed automatic)
BMW: 120ms (iDrive 8) | Mercedes-Benz: 150ms (MBUX)
BMW: 11.6 cu ft (3 Series) | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (E-Class)
BMW: 36 dB (3 Series) | Mercedes-Benz: 35 dB (C-Class)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 (AMG E63 S)
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: 603 (AMG E63 S)
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: $49,500 (C-Class)
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: 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: 630 hp (AMG 63 E Performance)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 28 mpg (C300 2.0L turbo)
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: 4yr / 50,000 mi
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: 435 miles (EQS 580)
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: 400,000 (public network partnerships)
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: 4 years/50,000 miles
Estimated Resale Value Retention (3-Year)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 603 hp (E53 AMG)
Average Resale Value Retention (3 years)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $48,900 (C-Class)
Consumer Reports Overall Reliability Rating
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4MATIC standard on select models
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI and predictive navigation
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)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (1926)
Transmission Failure Rate (10-year lifespan)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating 2024
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (avg mid-size sedan)
BMW: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $16,380 repairs + maintenance
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 368 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.
BMW ranks higher in reliability with a J.D. Power 2025 score of 82/100 compared to Mercedes-Benz's 79/100. BMW owners report fewer mechanical issues and lower average repair costs, though both brands require premium maintenance intervals and parts.
Which brand offers better driving performance?
BMW excels in driving dynamics with sport-tuned suspension and precise steering, making it ideal for enthusiasts. Mercedes-Benz prioritizes comfort and smoothness over sportiness, though AMG performance models (like C43 AMG) match BMW's acceleration metrics while offering more luxury.
How much cheaper is BMW compared to Mercedes-Benz?
BMW's entry-level sedans (3-Series starting at $43,450) cost approximately 11% less than comparable Mercedes-Benz models (C-Class starting at $48,900). This gap widens to 15% on mid-tier models like the 5-Series vs E-Class.
Which brand has better infotainment technology?
Mercedes-Benz's MBUX system edges ahead with integrated AI voice assistant, natural language processing, and predictive features. BMW's iDrive 8 is highly intuitive and faster to navigate, but lacks the AI sophistication of MBUX, making Mercedes superior for tech-focused buyers.
Mercedes-Benz offers a broader EV lineup with 5 models (EQE, EQS, EQG, and SUV variants), while BMW has 3 primary EV models (i4, iX, i7). Mercedes' larger selection makes it preferable for buyers committed to electric vehicles, though BMW's EVs offer competitive range and performance.
How to Choose Between BMW and Mercedes-Benz
Consider: Average Price (Entry Luxury Sedan)
Average Price (Entry Luxury Sedan): BMW has $43,450, while Mercedes-Benz has $48,900.
Consider: Engine Performance (3-Series vs C-Class)
Engine Performance (3-Series vs C-Class): BMW has 382 hp, 0-60 in 4.6s, while Mercedes-Benz has 258 hp, 0-60 in 5.7s.
Interior Luxury Rating: BMW has 8.2/10 (Sport-focused design), while Mercedes-Benz has 9.1/10 (Premium materials).
Infotainment System: BMW has iDrive 8 (12.3" touchscreen), while Mercedes-Benz has MBUX (12.3" touchscreen with AI).
Consider: Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2025)
Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2025): BMW has 82/100 (Above Average), while Mercedes-Benz has 79/100 (Average).
Electric Vehicle Lineup: BMW has i4, iX (3 EV models), while Mercedes-Benz has EQE, EQS (5 EV models).
Customer Satisfaction (2025): BMW has 84% satisfied, while Mercedes-Benz has 81% satisfied.