BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz vs. Audi

1. BMW, favourite model is the M6 Convertible.

1. Audi A8L 4.2, with Sport Package option
2. Mercedes-Benz SL 600
3. BMW 335i coupe

The current Audi models are just as good or better than competing BMW or Mercedes-Benz models, but they cost less. They also can be equipped with all-wheel drive, something which cannot be said for all Bimmers and Benzes. Audis are for independent-minded drivers who are more interested in performance, elegance and quality than in status symbols.

How exactly are we choosing our favorite brand here? By the style of the hood emblem?

Comparing brands of car is like comparing brands of clothes -- i may have a certain favorite sweater, but i don't swear up and down that the knitter than made me that sweater is the best knitter ever.

Is there some reason you don't want to extend your choice of brands to all German manufacturers? Or how about all manufacturers whose headquarters are east of Spain but west of Latvia? Do divisions of VAG like Bugatti or Lamborghini get to play? Must the vehicle be a German-built car, or can a US-built BMW be included?

Silly games you fanboys play. If you want to discuss specifics between one model and another, then we all have something to talk about. Ranking without clear objective criteria amounts to everyone yelling out their favorite ice cream flavor of the month. Me, i like different flavors for different situations.

1 - depends on yet-unknown judging criteria
2 - depends on yet-unknown judging criteria
3 - depends on yet-unknown judging criteria

This is a continuation of my earlier reply. (I ran out of room.) While current Audi models in my opinion have an edge over competing BMW & Mercedes models, these two marques make nice cars and I would definitely loook at their models when I shop for my next car. I would also look at Infiniti, Cadillac, Lexus, Jaguar, Volvo ... Hell, why not a Chrysler 300 Hemi if they can improve the handling? Maybe even Lincoln will get serious about luxury sport sedans within the next 2 years!

Who cares about #2 and #3.... All you need is #1....BMW.

2. Mercedes-Benz...S63/NEW C

3 Audi

Problem is it depends on model:
S class > A8 > 7 series
3 series > A4 > C class
A6 > E class > 5 series
M6 no competition
R8 no competition
SL no competition

This guys biased.....booooo!

I agree with antibmwnj.

I can also add that on the SUV segment Audi >MB >BMW.

completely agree but it will change in 08 and 09

nothing in the world could touch the A6 what a car.
s6 even better rs6-that's a cool car.

the new Q5 will be just as cool as the Q7

3 Audi

RS4

1. Only BMW ist the Best.
2. Mercedes ...
3. Buick ...
4-49 is ?
50. Lexus
51-99 is ?
100. the last ist only AUDI the Badging VW, Skoda, SEAT

Pur AUDI Fans this is so in Bavaria by the privat Owner!

First of all, before releasing your writing onto the internet so that millions of people can read it, check your grammar. Secondly, who cares if you think this and he thinks that and she thinks something else: that's the whole point of being a human being - to think in a unique way. So what if someone thinks Audi beats BMW and Mercedes or this one beats that one, it's all just about having an opinion. You're asking us to share our opinions now as AutoSpies users, but yet you are tired of people who share their opinions otherwise when they tell you that "Audi beats BMW and Merc". So if AutoSpies users tell you now that Audi is the greatest, what will that prove? Nothing. It's all just a bunch of bored people looking for something more interesting to do in life. And by the way, my opinion is that BMW is the best indeed, but that Audi and Mercedes are doing a nice job too. I wouldn't mind any one of them in my garage. Also, my comment is just meant to make you lighten up about opinions in general because that is all they are. That's why there are so many choices, so we can all have opinions - and you know what they say about opinions...

Who said Audi is better than BMW? BMW seems to be the only company which thinks it is better than the others.

BMW owners also seem to be the ones saying Audi sucks, rebadged VW etc.

For the record, I chose 2, Mercedes Benz.

"BMW seems to be the only company which thinks it is better than the others."

That's not true Rupert. If you are referring to the ridiculous fancommunity I agree with you, otherwise I do not.

1....FrontTrak sucks!!! If you have to check the Quattro box just to show up at a race, you need to stop trying to run with the big dogs. And go ahead and buy a BMW.

REAR driver sucks, on a daily basis driving. And don't tell me you go every week at the track, and even so that's still no daily. Rear driving is only good on the track on a dry and sunny day. Anything else and you are the looser even with the best car outthere. I would never choose RWD, first quattro, then front and last rear. Cause I use my car daily and I need a car to be driven daily.

Where do "articles" like this come from? Users actually type these themselves and then submit them and they get posted? Oh well...

2. Mercedes-Benz

S-Class, SL-Class, GL-Class, CLS-Class.

These three models are superior to their competition among the German brands in my opinion, and I just love the CLS. These are cars that you can live with on a day-to-day basis, and excel at what they do with style and flair. When it comes to the German three, I've always been a Mercedes guy at heart, alongside a deep respect for Audi. Whether my skeptics choose to believe that or not, I don't care...

well said mercedes is my favorite brand among the germans. lexus almong the japanese. so i guess in the end driving lexus or mercedes is a winner. depends on how you look at it.

This was a user submitted article, and since it was written in an intelligent manner and asked a good question we let it go through.

If you have a question to ask such as this, write in a noninflammatory manner, submit it and it will get published.

Why do none of my videos get through? Cayenne Turbo, 300SL Gullwing, ..etc. There all about cars with souls and history!

Who cares?.
If I did it would be 1.BMW, 2.Mercedes,3.VW/Audi

Audi <> VW. Too bad you didn't figure it out yet. Some people are slow learners ..

1. Mercedes-Benz (Im currently on my 4th consecutive)

2. BMW (never owned one but have driven 3 of the current models, and have GREAT respect for the comopany)

3. Audi??? I wouldnt really consider an Audi as an option unless its an R8 or maybe the A5.

company*

Right now as a brand, I would chose

1. BMW

2. AUDI

3. MB

Me too.

1. Acura NSX
2. BMW 650
3. Audi RS4

Acura NSX? The NSX is done. Move on, life is too short to stay in love with one car forever. These are cars, not women. I used to love the BMW 850i (a car from the NSX period) still do. But there is no way that I will put that car over cars that are 10 years newer. I guess I'm different.

Each brand has their shortcomings.


BMW’s Interiors are horrible, exterior could be better and they always seem to not include an option or 2 when compared to the competition.

Audi - Nice interiors but they are nose heavy and heavy period (they are working on the weight issue with nice results with the A5). Audi V6 engines underpowered, Audi V8 engines are inefficient gas guzzlers.

MB - Seems to be more OLD-Person orientated. Automatic Transmission Only. Suspension's a touch more plush than Audi and BMW. Like Audi MBs have week 6 cylinder engines. I do not like the new C’s (w204) interior. I’ve seen it in person and it was a plastic feast. The Plastics looked a little cheap for a car in that price range and there seemed to be more of it when compared to the W203. Audi is the only brand here that hasn’t jumped on the “cost cutting interior” bandwagon.


One more thing. ALL ARE OVERPRICED

Sad part Lex - you actually thought and wrote with a clear head and you got de-boosted. Some parts of this site are just overused and not what they used to be.

By the way. Your almost right on with your points.

3.

Audi A5/S5

1.BMW
2.Audi
3MB

honestly i dont exactly have a favorite.

My (enthusiast) choice

1. BMW
2. Mercedes-Benz
3. Audi

BMW is ahead for engines, handling, and MT availability. But I do see weaknesses in the interior and some design details.

Audi is last because they are basically FWD cars (most Audis in the US are sold with the excellent Quattro AWD system, but that's not true worldwide). They do have great interiors, though.

Why?

i think BMW is the best comparing with price, the output of engine capacity and features regardless 7 series has been in the market since 2002 and still it looks attractive, so the question is how new 2009 series will be?
but it is where you trust more!

What is up with these threads?!? BMWfan999 you have NOT been here for a long time, if you did, you would remember the good old times and not start and enginerred flame war! We have this exact argument/conversation every single day! What's the point of another one? Everybody here has a completely different opinion. And where does it say that this site is supposed to be for luxury cars only? Why aren't we having a GM vs. Ford vs. Chrysler thread???
(btw: 1 BMW. X5) oh and
2. MB. CLS63
3. Audi. S5

1. GM --> Cadillac line-up
2. Ford --> F150
3. Chrysler --> 300/Charger

It's pretty much this same order in all aspects of discussion involving the Big 3, which perhaps is the reason there's no discussion(?).

1. Ford (F-series, Mustang, Expedition)
2. Chrysler (300c, Charger, GC)
3. GM (Saturn, Caddy)

3 Audi

RS4

You're wrong on all points. Nice job.

Once all of you realize that none of these other brands would even exist without Mercedes-Benz, the better off the world will be...

BMW and VW are second-class choices to the legend known as Mercedes-Benz.

S-Class. Enough said.

BMW "tries too much to be everything and excels in none, "

- Are you saying that BMW doesn't excel in handling, steering feel, and driving dynamics?

Nice reply. I upped your boost :-)

The luxury car market is a cut-throat bussiness, and each of theese companies has catered to many demographics over the years. Theese companies are extremely luxurious and all exel in performance, anything beyond this is purely personal opinion, and you CAN compare them on paper, but you realy can't until you get behind the wheel! There is no true "winner" because they all have acheived what every car company dreams to. Performance. Luxury. Class.

Just noticed, what kind of idiots are coming in and deboosting everyone. Absolute fucktards this website would be better off without.

In my dealership the best seling used car and most wanted was the Benz first, BMW second, Lexus third. Audi always had a disclaimer attach to it,is it reliable as a use car. Pretty much if we took in a MBZ,BMW or Lexus it was solid gold ( sport car hands down a Porshe, Audi wasn't our first choice to have on the lot.

I love all equally.

They're three wonderful brands with each an own approach to luxury. BMW is more sporty, true driver's cars. Mercedes-Benz is more comfort and innovation while Audi is all about design and style coupled with luxury and performance.

At this moment I have no favorite, I always look at one single car and not the whole brand. That's just silly.

I agree. When I say one brand is my favorite, I go look at the cars from one of the others and realize that I forgt how much I adore their vehicles. I can't really choose which one is my favorite.

ditto here.. no real favorite overall.

2. Mercedes

I hope this is not going to be like the article "What is the Best Car".

1. BMW
2. MB
3. AUDI

1.BMW of course

2.MB

3.Audi

1. BMW (335i)
2. AUDI (R8)
3. MERCEDES BENZ (S65 AMG)

I'd say that each brand has it's own pluses and minuses.
So there isn't a clear winner. It depends what you like more on a car.

Forgot to mention this article is very provocative! There will be another flame war for sure!

1. BMW - M6
2. Audi - R8
3. Mercedes-Benz - SL65 AMG

3. Audi without a doubt.

RS4
RS6
S8

Driving dynamics and unsurpassed interior design and quality of the three.

1. Audi- R8
2. Mercedes- E63 AMG (my favorite Merc changes a lot)
3. BMW- M5 (ditto)

It was honestly harder than you'd think for me to put those three in order. I admire each of them, and would enjoy owning a car from each brand.

As a drivers car you have to go with BMW. From a styling point of view I'm still giving to Audi in exterior and interior. I sat in a few Benzes at a recent auto show and I did not find the interiors very impressive at all. BMW's are a little too plain.Audi would be second in driving enjoyment due to it's /awd options. I'm just not a Mercedes guy. I liked the early 70's sedans and coupes. My parents owned a 280 SE 3.5 convertable in Tobacco Brown and tan leather. It was beautiful,upscale and desirable. No Mercedes since that time has appealed to me.

1. Audi - RS4
2. BMW - 335i
3. MB - New "C" Class

*Disclaimer - I own a 2006 A4 S-line 3.2 Quattro

BMW M5
MB S CLASS
AUDI S8

JUGNU

Congrats everyone for falling once again for this crap of who is the best and X is better than Y because of P.

Maybe it will be a Merc lover that does this next...then it will be an BMW person again to come back and dispute it. Then the Audi guys will fall in...

These posts are pointless.

1)Lexus
2)Audi
3)BMW
4)MB

"And please, don't think I am biased just because I have the word "bmw" in my username."

"Secretly, I really hope Audi lose as they are very annoying thinking that they are better than both BMW and Mercedes."

You managed to completely contradict yourself, engineer a pointless article out of nothing, accuse Audi fans of being snobs, and ignore the fact that BMW thinks Audi is below its station!
BMW fans are the worst fans, they cannot shut up about the VW/Audi comments, when Audi has has much to do with VW as it does with Porsche...
Please, tell me which Audi fans think they are "better than BMW and Mercedes".
Name 1, and I'll name 3 BMW fans who say the opposite.

I really think it depends. As far as a mixture of an amazing interior and performance you go with an Audi. As far as performance and power you go with BMW, and as far as wanting to feel like a 90 year old man, you go with a mercedes. I am now in the process of deciding to get an audi or bmw, and the thing that is making it hard for me to choose bmw is the baron interior compared to audis amazing interior. They both perform amazing so its a hard decision

3. Audi, specifically any "S" Avant

Rupert
Can u see LECAR post above.

JUGNU

o and I like the Audi RS$ as well and the soon to be S5 and RS5

1. BMW M3, M5, 335i
3. AUDI S8, RS4
2. BENZ S, E, SLR

What's the point of this?

1. BMW/Mercedes tie
3. Audi/Lexus

I think that all three concentrate on one thing: Balancing driving performance with driving luxury. BMW stands closer to the performance end of the spectrum while mercedes tends to stand closer to the luxury end.

1. BMW is my choice simply because I think performance is a bit more important that luxury. Mercedes obviously wins for those drivers who think luxury is more important. I'm not sure where exactly audi stands...

Perfectly in the middle.

1. BMW - M6 coupe or 335i

335i coupe

Ahh, is it flame war season already. Answering the same old questions that has been asked many times before.

To answer the question: Right now I getting to like Audi better and my whole decision right now stands on the new A4. But it is a tie right now between Audi and BMW.

Now waiting for BMW vs Lexus, Audi vs Lexus, etc.

This post really isn't worth the time of day.

Does it have any spy news?
Shots of new cars?
Intelligent discussion?
Industry 'scoops'?

It's pathetic.

1. Audi
2. BMW
3. MB

I prefer Audi to BMW and Merc. They area all fine cars, but Audis are less flashy, less bangle-ized, less "look at me bitches". If I had my pick of the litter I'd choose the S4. What a hot lil' bugger!

yeah the S4 is nice

I'm inclined to agree.

RS4= speachless.

I love all three of time, but if I have to rank them it will be in the order:

1. BMW E60 M5
2. Audi B7 RS4
3. MB W221 S65 AMG

1. BMW 335 Coupe, slick handling, awesome power....need I say more?

1.Audi R8, Audi RS4
2.Merc CL AMG
3.BMW M3

Nah, your first list is right mate in the order of luxury vehicles.

Then whoever = Lexus.

I gave up on Audi after owning three in the eighties. All were plagued with electrical problems. I rediscovered Audi after owning or leasing three Grand Marquis. I currently drive a leased 2004 Audi A6 which I prefer over both the Mercedes and BMW. Audi simply gives you better value for the money and the interiors are really well done. Audi seats have always been comfortable even in the eighties when I gave up on Audi previously.
I don't like BMW for various reasons including encounters with arrogant dealers, lack of rubber side strips for door ding protection, the Bangle butt fiasco, the dreaded iDrive, and inadequate rear leg room in both the 3 and 5 series. The C-class has not been wide enough and the C-class has a steel mini spare instead of a proper matching alloy spare. Mercedes has a history of silly packages that include many undesirable options with one or two desirable ones. Mercedes has been practicing blackmail marketing by charging extra for all but a few paint colors. Hopefully this will all change with the slightly larger 2008 model. My vote, in order of preference, is as follows:
1) Audi; 2) Mercedes; 3) BMW
BTW, Mercedes can win me as a customer by offering a diesel C-Class with a 6-speed automatic, RWD, and LSD in North America for 2008.

1. BMW (535i manual)
2. Merc (GL)
3. Lexus (LS)
4. Jag (XJ)
5. Audi (A8 or S8)

1. BMW!!!! M6 coupe
2. MB
3. Audi

and by the way Audi such hehe, BMW for the win!

1. BMW - M6 coupe
2. Audi - RS6
3. Merc - S65

Here is the thing, BMW makes the best Engines here.

RS6? Really? It was super-fast, but it had no handling... you don't like the RS4 or R8 better?

german car suck,they are expensive and not reliable

Sorry i hurt your feeling badly formula1.But it is the fact you idiot!you such a baby, you just can't handle the true.I don't think you gonna make it through your life you little baby! memememe......good luck

Why don't you learn how to type? It's making me want to rip your comment out and fix it.

"memememe?" What is that?

2. Mercedes Benz E55

That's probably the stupidest thing I have ever read on Autospies. (not including Toyodaman and huu76)

What circle is that exactly?

im glad i dont belong to the clubs you have. where i live people love the fact that the innovative Audis are unique and not like the lot of lexus's everywhere here in south florida.
in fact driving around in a MB is tacky if you are under AARP age, BMW only if it's an M or loaded sport package, and AUDI coming on strong....

Tied for 1: audi and bmw
3. MB (over 55)

mercedes cl63 ohhh my dream car!!!!!!!! then bmw 335i its soo nice then audi r8.

I would say BMW because people on autospies.com love BMW.

ps - dont even bring lexsucks to this article

1.Mercedes
2.BMW
3.Audi

Audi might move up in the future..But Mercedes will never go down, for gods sack they made the first car, that is enough to let them lead the race until a new form of transportation takes over humanity..

To those who say RWD sucks and FWD is better, then all i have to say to these girls is, learn how to drive.
FWD cars will never ever be in the same category as RWD.

As for this useless debate MB first and BMW second with Audi third

Right. As always.

1) BMW rules, favourite model is BMW X5 and i just don't understand why people think a car like Mercedes or Audi can compete on the same level as a BMW(which is obviously the best)

I like BMW more than other two

Easy,
550
X5
Mini S

1. Audi S5 quattro 6spd manual
2. BMW 650Ci
3. Mercedes CL600

1.VW/Audi A4,A6,RS,Quattros - great in handling
2.BMW m,3,5,7 series - great in performance
3.MB C,E,S classes - great in smooth riding

1.BMW m,3,5,7 series - great in performance
2.MB C,E,S classes - great in smooth riding
3.VW/Audi A4,A6,RS,Quattros - great in handling

1.MB C,E,S classes - great in smooth riding
2.VW/Audi A4,A6,RS,Quattros - great in handling
3.BMW m,3,5,7 series - great in performance

These three German cars have at least 1 quality better than the other. They cannot be compared. Just like Apple, Banana, and Mango, they have their own unique taste of ride. I love them all.

1.BMW
2.Audi
3.Mercedes-Benz

god bless all the bimmer fans ,B M W is really wonderfull & plz don't comment on BMW car without test the car .........

1.B M W
2.B M W
3.B M W
4.B M W

BMW and Mercedes-Benz are on the same level. Audi is just a pos vw.

3-2011 Audi A8L W12
3-Audi S8
3-Audi S5 and the upcoming RS5
3-Audi q7 V12 TDI
3-Audi R8
3-1990 Audi S2
3-1939 Auto Union (pre Audi) V12
3-1938 Horch (pre Audi) 853A
Finally
1-1970's BMW 3.0 CS Coupe
2-1960's Mercedes Fintails such as 190 DC or 220 S

I would be ashamed to be seen behind a new Mercedes. They are just pure ugly and recently they are coping the Audi styling of the DRL lights. But the only differance is that The MBs are not nearly as elegant as Audis are. Go Audi all the way!!!!

For the past few years I have closely followed the growth of these companies. Audi is emerging very rapidly and knocking off all the charts with their innovative and best looking designs and publicity stunts (not to forget transporter series and several other HW movies). BMW is maintaining its stand as the most preferred car or maybe people's and critics' car by producing amazing engines but they are not doing anything on the design centre but they are the most solid cars. Merc-benz is generally supposed or thought about like a status symbol car but it has lost its lusture over time. yeah they are also good but they couldn't keep their position maintained and couldn't also produce anything very interesting except for SLS or SLK, but really who buys hypercars- not everyone is tom cruise. back to the point:
rating wise: BMW is no 1 cause no one can beat this "hail hitler" company on rigidity, ride and handling. so 4/5. Audi is on no 2 spot despite being my personal favourite choice any day but i can't ignore the facts and thats because of weaker (not that good like Beamer) engines but alas the Sheikh and Sultan preferred car is third on my list and maybe on everybody's else too.

I've always been a fan of BMW
But if am to buy some vehicle den it wil b lik
A4
5 series
S class

Major fanboys and bonehead biaed kiddies in here. I own a Mercedes CLK 430 and you are all nuts to think anything compares to a Merc. I have driven them all many times over. Mercedes, BMW, Audi hands down and trust me there is a huge gap between Mercedes and BMW. The ride quality, interior, and overall luxury of a Mercedes stomps on the puffy seat BMW's. Lets dont discuss looks either other than the Mercs paint is far superior and just sooooo much pretier. Bavarian Motor Works huh??? Three star all DAY!

BMW = CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
I'LL TAKE THE LEXUS!