Is BMW or Mercedes better?

Neither is objectively better — they excel at different things. BMW excels at driving dynamics and performance; Mercedes excels at luxury and comfort. It comes down to personal preference.

Which holds its value better?

BMW and Mercedes depreciate at similar rates — both lose about 50-60% of value in 5 years, which is typical for luxury brands.

BMW vs Mercedes-Benz

Updated March 28, 2026

BMW

Premium automotive manufacturer offering refined driving dynamics, luxury craftsmanship, and diverse model options.

Driving enthusiasts and performance buyers

Check Price

Mercedes-Benz

German luxury automaker with 130+ years of heritage and premium positioning across all segments.

Luxury seekers and chauffeur-driven travel

Short Answer

BMW is the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' — known for sporty handling and driver engagement. Mercedes-Benz is associated with luxury, comfort, and prestige. BMW leads in driving dynamics; Mercedes leads in interior luxury and technology.

Our Verdict

BMW for driving enthusiasts who want engagement behind the wheel. Mercedes for those who prioritize comfort, luxury interior, and prestige.

BMW6.7

8.3Mercedes-Benz

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Driving enthusiasts and performance buyers

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Key Differences at a Glance

🔹

Driving Dynamics: BMW wins (Sporty and engaging vs Comfortable and smooth)

🔹

Interior Luxury: Mercedes-Benz wins (Best in class vs Very good)

🔹

Annual Sales (2023): BMW wins (2.55M vs 2.49M)

See all 5 differences

Key Facts & Figures

Metric	BMW	Mercedes-Benz	Diff
Annual Sales (2023)	2.55 Million	2.49 Million	+2%
Brand Value (2024)(USD)	$49 Billion	$61 Billion	-20%
Founded	1916	1926

Key Differences

BMW

Attribute

Mercedes-Benz

Sporty and engaging🏆

Driving Dynamics

Comfortable and smooth

Very good

Interior Luxury

Best in class🏆

2.55M🏆

Annual Sales (2023)

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Best Alternatives to Mercedes in 2026: Luxury & Performance Options

Looking beyond Mercedes? In 2026, luxury car buyers have excellent alternatives across multiple segments. We compare top competitors like BMW, Audi, and Lexus to help you find the perfect luxury vehicle for your needs and budget.

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Mercedes-Benz Competitors in 2026: The Ultimate Luxury Car Guide

Mercedes-Benz dominates the luxury segment, but competitors like BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Lexus offer compelling alternatives. Discover which luxury brands rival Mercedes across sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.

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Last updated: March 28, 2026Human reviewed

Driving Dynamics

BMW

Sporty and engaging🏆

Mercedes-Benz

Comfortable and smooth

Interior Luxury

BMW

Very good

Mercedes-Benz

Best in class🏆

Annual Sales (2023)

BMW

2.55M🏆

Mercedes-Benz

2.49M

Performance Division

BMW

M (iconic)

Mercedes-Benz

AMG (excellent)

Brand Prestige

BMW

Very high

Mercedes-Benz

Highest in auto🏆

Full Comparison

Attribute	BMW	Mercedes-Benz

Annual Sales (2023)	2.55 Million	2.49 Million

Brand Value (2024)(USD)	$49 Billion	$61 Billion

Founded	1916	1926
Brand Age(years)	130 years (founded 1926)	—

Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan)(mpg)	31 mpg	29 mpg

Engine Power (Flagship V8)(hp)	536 hp	540+ hp
Engine Torque (Flagship V8)(lb-ft)	553 lb-ft	570+ lb-ft
Driving Dynamics Focus	Sport-oriented handling	Comfort-oriented refinement
0-60 Acceleration (Performance Model)(seconds)	M440i: 3.9 seconds	—
Entry-Level SUV Curb Weight(lbs)	X1: 3,650 lbs	—
Show 4 more attributes EV Range (Base Model)(miles) i4 eDrive40 (18-inch wheels) — 0-60 MPH Acceleration (Performance)(seconds) M4 Competition — Maximum Horsepower (Performance Model)(HP) M4 Competition — Performance (0-60 time)(seconds) 4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG) —

Software Architecture	Traditional integrated	Software-defined
Infotainment System	iDrive 8.5 with gesture recognition	MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art
Digital Cockpit Resolution(pixels)	iDrive: 1920x720	—
Software Update Frequency(per year)	Quarterly scheduled updates	—
Autonomous Driving Level	Level 2 with advanced driver assistance	—
Show 2 more attributes Charging Options at Home BMW home charging with faster technology (2026) — Standard Infotainment Display(inches) 14.4 inches (S-Class) —

Hybrid SUV Performance	XM plug-in redesigned	GLC turbocharged refined

Luxury Sedan Lineup (2026)	New 3-Series, refreshed 7-Series, ALPINA B7	New S-Class with enhanced tech
Model Diversity (2026)	15+ models including new i3 sedan	14+ models with EQS expansion

EV Range Enhancement (2026)	Silicon carbide inverters on i4	EQS 400/550 4MATIC models

Warranty & Service(years)	4 years standard	4 years standard
Warranty Coverage(years)	4 years/50,000 miles basic	4-year/50,000 mile standard
Basic Warranty Coverage(years/miles)	3 years/36,000 miles	—
Average 5-Year Maintenance Cost(USD)	$6,500	—

Starting Price (Compact SUV)(USD)	X1: $41,250	—
Resale Value Retention (5-year)(percent)	55%	—
Price Positioning vs Competitors(percent difference)	Premium luxury pricing baseline	—

Hybrid SUV Power Output(hp)	XM: 523 hp redesigned	—
EV Battery Range(miles)	i4: 301 miles with new tech	—
EV Efficiency Rating(EPA equivalent MPGe)	i4: 108 MPGe with silicon carbide tech	—

Interior Material Quality	Nappa leather, advanced ambient tech	Ultra-premium throughout

Safety Features Score(NHTSA rating)	5-star equivalent modern systems	—

SUV Model Count 2026(models)	6+ models including redesigned X5	—

Base Model Price Range(USD)	$59,400 - $74,900	—
Luxury Model Starting Price (2026)(USD)	$56,000	—

Interior Design Approach	Premium traditional, physical controls, luxury materials	—

Reliability Rating (J.D. Power)(score out of 100)	76	—

Owner Loyalty Rate (3-year retention)(percent)	64%	—

Sedan Fuel Efficiency (Combined)(MPG)	25 MPG combined (C-Class estimated)	—
Luxury SUV Engine Power(horsepower)	255 hp (GLE 350 base)	—
Base Sedan Horsepower(horsepower)	255 hp (2.0L turbocharged)	—
Sedan Curb Weight(lbs)	3,580 lbs (C-Class est.)	—

Sedan Cargo Capacity(cubic feet)	12.6 cu.ft. (C-Class)	—

BMW

Mercedes-Benz

Annual Sales (2023)

2.55 Million

2.49 Million

Brand Value (2024)(USD)

$49 Billion

$61 Billion

Founded

1916

1926

Brand Age(years)

130 years (founded 1926)

—

Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan)(mpg)

31 mpg

29 mpg

Engine Power (Flagship V8)(hp)

536 hp

540+ hp

Engine Torque (Flagship V8)(lb-ft)

553 lb-ft

570+ lb-ft

Driving Dynamics Focus

Sport-oriented handling

Comfort-oriented refinement

0-60 Acceleration (Performance Model)(seconds)

M440i: 3.9 seconds

—

Entry-Level SUV Curb Weight(lbs)

X1: 3,650 lbs

—

Show 4 more attributes

EV Range (Base Model)(miles)

i4 eDrive40 (18-inch wheels)

—

0-60 MPH Acceleration (Performance)(seconds)

M4 Competition

—

Maximum Horsepower (Performance Model)(HP)

M4 Competition

—

Performance (0-60 time)(seconds)

4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG)

—

Software Architecture

Traditional integrated

Software-defined

Infotainment System

iDrive 8.5 with gesture recognition

MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art

Digital Cockpit Resolution(pixels)

iDrive: 1920x720

—

Software Update Frequency(per year)

Quarterly scheduled updates

—

Autonomous Driving Level

Level 2 with advanced driver assistance

—

Show 2 more attributes

Charging Options at Home

BMW home charging with faster technology (2026)

—

Standard Infotainment Display(inches)

14.4 inches (S-Class)

—

Hybrid SUV Performance

XM plug-in redesigned

GLC turbocharged refined

Luxury Sedan Lineup (2026)

New 3-Series, refreshed 7-Series, ALPINA B7

New S-Class with enhanced tech

Model Diversity (2026)

15+ models including new i3 sedan

14+ models with EQS expansion

EV Range Enhancement (2026)

Silicon carbide inverters on i4

EQS 400/550 4MATIC models

Warranty & Service(years)

4 years standard

Warranty Coverage(years)

4 years/50,000 miles basic

4-year/50,000 mile standard

Basic Warranty Coverage(years/miles)

3 years/36,000 miles

—

Average 5-Year Maintenance Cost(USD)

$6,500

—

Starting Price (Compact SUV)(USD)

X1: $41,250

—

Resale Value Retention (5-year)(percent)

55%

—

Price Positioning vs Competitors(percent difference)

Premium luxury pricing baseline

—

Hybrid SUV Power Output(hp)

XM: 523 hp redesigned

—

EV Battery Range(miles)

i4: 301 miles with new tech

—

EV Efficiency Rating(EPA equivalent MPGe)

i4: 108 MPGe with silicon carbide tech

—

Interior Material Quality

Nappa leather, advanced ambient tech

Ultra-premium throughout

Safety Features Score(NHTSA rating)

5-star equivalent modern systems

—

SUV Model Count 2026(models)

6+ models including redesigned X5

—

Base Model Price Range(USD)

$59,400 - $74,900

—

Luxury Model Starting Price (2026)(USD)

$56,000

—

Interior Design Approach

Premium traditional, physical controls, luxury materials

—

Reliability Rating (J.D. Power)(score out of 100)

—

Owner Loyalty Rate (3-year retention)(percent)

64%

—

Sedan Fuel Efficiency (Combined)(MPG)

25 MPG combined (C-Class estimated)

—

Luxury SUV Engine Power(horsepower)

255 hp (GLE 350 base)

—

Base Sedan Horsepower(horsepower)

255 hp (2.0L turbocharged)

—

Sedan Curb Weight(lbs)

3,580 lbs (C-Class est.)

—

Sedan Cargo Capacity(cubic feet)

12.6 cu.ft. (C-Class)

—

Full Comparison

Attribute	BMW	Mercedes-Benz

Annual Sales (2023)	2.55 Million	2.49 Million

Brand Value (2024)(USD)	$49 Billion	$61 Billion

Founded	1916	1926
Brand Age(years)	130 years (founded 1926)	—

Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan)(mpg)	31 mpg	29 mpg

Engine Power (Flagship V8)(hp)	536 hp	540+ hp
Engine Torque (Flagship V8)(lb-ft)	553 lb-ft	570+ lb-ft
Driving Dynamics Focus	Sport-oriented handling	Comfort-oriented refinement
0-60 Acceleration (Performance Model)(seconds)	M440i: 3.9 seconds	—
Entry-Level SUV Curb Weight(lbs)	X1: 3,650 lbs	—
Show 4 more attributes EV Range (Base Model)(miles) i4 eDrive40 (18-inch wheels) — 0-60 MPH Acceleration (Performance)(seconds) M4 Competition — Maximum Horsepower (Performance Model)(HP) M4 Competition — Performance (0-60 time)(seconds) 4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG) —

Software Architecture	Traditional integrated	Software-defined
Infotainment System	iDrive 8.5 with gesture recognition	MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art
Digital Cockpit Resolution(pixels)	iDrive: 1920x720	—
Software Update Frequency(per year)	Quarterly scheduled updates	—
Autonomous Driving Level	Level 2 with advanced driver assistance	—
Show 2 more attributes Charging Options at Home BMW home charging with faster technology (2026) — Standard Infotainment Display(inches) 14.4 inches (S-Class) —

Hybrid SUV Performance	XM plug-in redesigned	GLC turbocharged refined

Luxury Sedan Lineup (2026)	New 3-Series, refreshed 7-Series, ALPINA B7	New S-Class with enhanced tech
Model Diversity (2026)	15+ models including new i3 sedan	14+ models with EQS expansion

EV Range Enhancement (2026)	Silicon carbide inverters on i4	EQS 400/550 4MATIC models

Warranty & Service(years)	4 years standard	4 years standard
Warranty Coverage(years)	4 years/50,000 miles basic	4-year/50,000 mile standard
Basic Warranty Coverage(years/miles)	3 years/36,000 miles	—
Average 5-Year Maintenance Cost(USD)	$6,500	—

Starting Price (Compact SUV)(USD)	X1: $41,250	—
Resale Value Retention (5-year)(percent)	55%	—
Price Positioning vs Competitors(percent difference)	Premium luxury pricing baseline	—

Hybrid SUV Power Output(hp)	XM: 523 hp redesigned	—
EV Battery Range(miles)	i4: 301 miles with new tech	—
EV Efficiency Rating(EPA equivalent MPGe)	i4: 108 MPGe with silicon carbide tech	—

Interior Material Quality	Nappa leather, advanced ambient tech	Ultra-premium throughout

Safety Features Score(NHTSA rating)	5-star equivalent modern systems	—

SUV Model Count 2026(models)	6+ models including redesigned X5	—

Base Model Price Range(USD)	$59,400 - $74,900	—
Luxury Model Starting Price (2026)(USD)	$56,000	—

Interior Design Approach	Premium traditional, physical controls, luxury materials	—

Reliability Rating (J.D. Power)(score out of 100)	76	—

Owner Loyalty Rate (3-year retention)(percent)	64%	—

Sedan Fuel Efficiency (Combined)(MPG)	25 MPG combined (C-Class estimated)	—
Luxury SUV Engine Power(horsepower)	255 hp (GLE 350 base)	—
Base Sedan Horsepower(horsepower)	255 hp (2.0L turbocharged)	—
Sedan Curb Weight(lbs)	3,580 lbs (C-Class est.)	—

Sedan Cargo Capacity(cubic feet)	12.6 cu.ft. (C-Class)	—

BMW

Mercedes-Benz

Annual Sales (2023)

2.55 Million

2.49 Million

Brand Value (2024)(USD)

$49 Billion

$61 Billion

Founded

1916

1926

Brand Age(years)

130 years (founded 1926)

—

Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan)(mpg)

31 mpg

29 mpg

Engine Power (Flagship V8)(hp)

536 hp

540+ hp

Engine Torque (Flagship V8)(lb-ft)

553 lb-ft

570+ lb-ft

Driving Dynamics Focus

Sport-oriented handling

Comfort-oriented refinement

0-60 Acceleration (Performance Model)(seconds)

M440i: 3.9 seconds

—

Entry-Level SUV Curb Weight(lbs)

X1: 3,650 lbs

—

Show 4 more attributes

EV Range (Base Model)(miles)

i4 eDrive40 (18-inch wheels)

—

0-60 MPH Acceleration (Performance)(seconds)

M4 Competition

—

Maximum Horsepower (Performance Model)(HP)

M4 Competition

—

Performance (0-60 time)(seconds)

4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG)

—

Software Architecture

Traditional integrated

Software-defined

Infotainment System

iDrive 8.5 with gesture recognition

MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art

Digital Cockpit Resolution(pixels)

iDrive: 1920x720

—

Software Update Frequency(per year)

Quarterly scheduled updates

—

Autonomous Driving Level

Level 2 with advanced driver assistance

—

Show 2 more attributes

Charging Options at Home

BMW home charging with faster technology (2026)

—

Standard Infotainment Display(inches)

14.4 inches (S-Class)

—

Hybrid SUV Performance

XM plug-in redesigned

GLC turbocharged refined

Luxury Sedan Lineup (2026)

New 3-Series, refreshed 7-Series, ALPINA B7

New S-Class with enhanced tech

Model Diversity (2026)

15+ models including new i3 sedan

14+ models with EQS expansion

EV Range Enhancement (2026)

Silicon carbide inverters on i4

EQS 400/550 4MATIC models

Warranty & Service(years)

4 years standard

Warranty Coverage(years)

4 years/50,000 miles basic

4-year/50,000 mile standard

Basic Warranty Coverage(years/miles)

3 years/36,000 miles

—

Average 5-Year Maintenance Cost(USD)

$6,500

—

Starting Price (Compact SUV)(USD)

X1: $41,250

—

Resale Value Retention (5-year)(percent)

55%

—

Price Positioning vs Competitors(percent difference)

Premium luxury pricing baseline

—

Hybrid SUV Power Output(hp)

XM: 523 hp redesigned

—

EV Battery Range(miles)

i4: 301 miles with new tech

—

EV Efficiency Rating(EPA equivalent MPGe)

i4: 108 MPGe with silicon carbide tech

—

Interior Material Quality

Nappa leather, advanced ambient tech

Ultra-premium throughout

Safety Features Score(NHTSA rating)

5-star equivalent modern systems

—

SUV Model Count 2026(models)

6+ models including redesigned X5

—

Base Model Price Range(USD)

$59,400 - $74,900

—

Luxury Model Starting Price (2026)(USD)

$56,000

—

Interior Design Approach

Premium traditional, physical controls, luxury materials

—

Reliability Rating (J.D. Power)(score out of 100)

—

Owner Loyalty Rate (3-year retention)(percent)

64%

—

Sedan Fuel Efficiency (Combined)(MPG)

25 MPG combined (C-Class estimated)

—

Luxury SUV Engine Power(horsepower)

255 hp (GLE 350 base)

—

Base Sedan Horsepower(horsepower)

255 hp (2.0L turbocharged)

—

Sedan Curb Weight(lbs)

3,580 lbs (C-Class est.)

—

Sedan Cargo Capacity(cubic feet)

12.6 cu.ft. (C-Class)

—

BMW vs Mercedes-Benz

BMW

Mercedes-Benz

Short Answer

Our Verdict

Track this comparison

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Facts & Figures

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

Related Articles

Explore Entities

More Automotive

People Also Compare

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Pros & Cons

BMW

Pros

Cons

Mercedes-Benz

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Learn More

Where to Buy

Wikipedia

Videos

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

BMW vs Mercedes-Benz

BMW

Mercedes-Benz

Short Answer

Our Verdict

🔔Track this comparison

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Facts & Figures

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

Related Articles

Explore Entities

More Automotive

People Also Compare

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Pros & Cons

BMW

Pros

Cons

Mercedes-Benz

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Learn More

Where to Buy

Wikipedia

Videos

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Track this comparison