BMW and Mercedes preparing over 25 models in the next 5 years-Who will come out on top?

Mercedes eleasing 25 models and Audi releasing 20. Hmmm sounds like a real war brewing.

3 Words:

Manufacture Flame War!!!!!

The article does not say that they are focusing on each other to the exclusion of all other brands, only that they are both competing for the same goal. As such, one must come out on top. I predict BMW.

No matter who is on top though, it is every other luxury manufacturer that should be trembling in fear. If Mercedes and BMW enter an "arms race" with one another, then they will leave the competition in the dust. They will be light years ahead of Lexus, Audi, etc. in performance, safety, comfort, and conveience. It will be great for us consumers though.

You don't think the competition would be able to keep up? Audi and Lexus can easily attain/develop the latest technology at any time. I don't think an "arms race" would catch them by surprise, if that's what you're implying.

1. I think Mercedes just slightly edges out BMW at the moment. Their latest high-end models are stunning and lead their respective classes, as well as the universal prestige that comes with the three-pointed star. Their recent divorce doesn't hurt, either- no publicity is bad publicity.

2. Again, I think the E looks better here. But these are both photoshops, so we can never tell. The next-gen 5 hasn't even been caught testing yet.

3. I can't say who the winner will be "in 5 years," as I'm no psychic. BMW has a good chance of staying on top, and Mercedes is fighting them ferociously for the title; there's even the chance that Audi will come in with a surprise attack. You did forget about Audi, 001- they're coming out with a ton of models themselves, and are definitely on the rise.

I did not forget Audi and yes they have some nice stuff coming but the article focusses on the battle between MB and BMW, so that's the angle we took on the article...

001

Sometimes, just BMW vs. Merc doesn't suffice.

in the end, dont we all win?

Audi changes every three years? Are you just referring to the 2005.5 A4 facelift? Because that was just a facelift. Their model cycles are six to seven years.

i think there will never be a stable winner, bmw may have something that mercs may not have or vise-versa and in nearly one year there will be a facelift and even more progressed technology. i cant really say which i like more by those photoshops that dont look so impressive especially if they are due out over the next 5 yrs

I believe Audi will come out on top in the long run. It already has technically superior cars e.g. aluminum-bodied A8, Quattro with Torsen differential. BMW has tried too many gimmicks like Bangle's odd styling and the dreaded iDrive. Mercedes charges extra for most paint on their C-Class and has really silly option packages designed to suck money out of your pocket. Mercedes even charges extra for a proper tire pressure monitoring system on the S-Class that identifies the exact offending tire instead of just warning you that one of 4 tires should be checked (leaving you to guess which one). Audi gives you honest value. Lexus is not even in the running -- I see Lexus as a car for people who are fed up with BMW and Mercedes and who have not yet discovered Audi.

Audi should also be mentioned. It has 9% sales growth each year. And that's a lot. MB doesn't have nearly as much.

Lexus will also play in this game when they will crack the european market! I wish them good luck.

RE: three questions regarding BMW and M-Benz.

1.Both MB and BMW have a stong model line today. Personally, I think the S-Class is stunning and edges out the 7 Series. The 5 series barely edges out the E class because it's more hi-tech visually in and out versus the E. The 3 series coupe is killer but I like the new C sport's overall design better than the 3 series sedan, especially from the rear. I'm not a big SUV enthusiast but the X5 is more dynamic than the ML.

2.The hotter car next 5 or E? Based on the limited information seen so far, I say it's a tie. It appears as if the next E will be less conservative and the 5 will have a more fluid and cohesive design.

3. Who will be the overall winner? I give the edge to M-Benz. The sale of Chrysler will allow M-B to focus only on M-B. Meanwhile, BMW is now rumored to be interested in purchasing Volvo, etc. M-B, it seems will have the clearer focus.

in 5 years there WILL BE 2 extra players, Audi & Lexus

as far as this war goes, its a toss up, they both have 2 strong cars in there line up that outshines and sell better then the others, then you got to look at the the other models that not selling?

Lexus will never be a "player" in Europe. But in Asia and US they will be considered do. However, with Audi you're right for worldwide. Their line up is becoming very attractive and i'm seeing more and more on the roads which shows this.

Oh and I forgot to mention that Audi already outsold MB last year! Realistically it has better chances to outsell BMW for now!

Mercedes will slightly beat BMW, I predict..There current line-up is most probably the best all rounded amongst any car manufacturer...They just let go of Chrysler and they should devout even more resources to their cars...I cant wait for the next E63 or CLS63...BMW is great too, I am eagerly anticipating the next gen 5 series..Its either the future M5 or future E63 for me..

OMG (this is the first time I've used this acronym) I was about to type the exact same sentence!

Who doesn't want Mercedes to conquer BMW? Although I must say, thanks to Bangle, the new C-Class looks like a 3-layer cake of metal.

I agree with the comment that as of now, I believe Mercedes-Benz is ahead of BMW. The S-Class, the CL-Class, the GL-Class, the new C-Class, the upcoming E-Class, the next SL-Class soon to follow, all either already are or are guaranteed to become the the default choices for premium automobiles in their respective classes (on a worldwide scale, I haven't abandoned Lexus just yet).

BMW I'm sure will leave no leaf unturned with the new 7-Series and 5-Series, but the S-Class and E-Class will always slow BMW's sales. I think the most important issue here is the two brands' ECONOMY CARS. The A-, B, and C-Classes vs. the 1- and 3-Serie. This is the underlying question here. Personally, I don't favor the styling of either the new C-Class or the 3-Series, but the 3-Series remains the default choice in its segment, a commendable feat, but with all the hype around the new C-Class, will it be enough to really take on the 3-Series?

But who knows. In 5 years' time, a lot will change, including the statements that the race will no longer be between just BMW and Mercedes. Audi and Lexus will make it there. Both brands are experiencing rapid growth, and why wouldn't they? Consistently releasing new and improved products that have most if not all the same qualities and attributes that Benz and Bimmer are now selling by. And just as Audi apparently does not need North America, Lexus will not need to pick up Europe on their roads to this status. Europe and Asia suffice for Audi, North America and Asia will suffice for Lexus. All this of course, only in a worst-case scenario. I personally think Lexus will get there in Europe. Their sales are increasing!!!