No matter what trends prevail in the automotive industry, no matter what new models enter the market, the positions of the German brands Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in the premium car segment remain unshakeable.
In the 21st century, competition in the automotive industry has only intensified, covering all aspects of their positioning. What then can be said about the eternal rivals of the German automotive industry Audi AG (part of the Volkswagen Group), Bavarian motor manufacturers (BMW), and Mercedes-Benz, which is part of the Daimler AG conglomerate.
It all starts with the mottos of car manufacturers:
- Advancement through technology — the latest slogan from Audi.
- A company of ideas, and in the case of BMW 3 — A new generation of cars.
- The favorite saying of the founding father Gottlieb Daimler — The best or nothing.
Using three premium-class cars — Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class as examples, let's try to determine who excels and in what parameters among this famous «trio» today.
Competition among «Germans» in the premium automotive segment
The aforementioned cars boast excellent levels of comfort, handling, reliability, and off-road capability. However, no car in the world can be the best in all numerous characteristics. So, let's see who excels in what.
The undisputed leader in terms of interior finish richness, overall comfort, and safety measures taken is Mercedes-Benz. It also leads in terms of fuel economy, as it can travel over a thousand kilometers (1092 km) on a single tank.
In contrast, its competitors consume more fuel and can travel respectively 940 km and 982 km on a single tank. At the same time, the driver's seat, as well as the space for passengers in the second row, are better designed by BMW engineers.
BMW excels in handling. Its «driver-oriented» chassis smoothly and steadily navigates corners, although the car, in general, maneuvers on the road worse than Audi.
Mercedes-Benz is immersed in comfortable, rather than swift, driving, although in terms of straight-line stability, it outperforms both the A4 and the 3 Series, without compromising grandeur and smoothness of the ride. The suspension of both the Bavarian motor manufacturers' product and the one from Ingolstadt is significantly stiffer.
But in terms of all parameters combined, Mercedes-Benz only gets the «bronze», with BMW 3 Series taking the lead.
BMW 3 Series
The most successful car from the Bavarian motor manufacturers is the BMW 3 Series, approaching its semi-centennial anniversary. In 2019, the 7th generation model (G20) was showcased in Paris in sedan form, and later a wagon version was introduced, although it was not supplied to the Russian market.
The exterior has been significantly redesigned, including the radiator grille «nostrils,» headlights, and Hofmeister kink. Optionally available are laser headlights that «pierce» up to 2/3 km. Inside the cabin, everything is aimed at the driver's convenience, including a multimedia complex that recognizes their voice.
The BMW 3 Series remains a rigid driver's car, capable of accelerating from 4.4 s to 8.3 s with various engines to reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited), which is quite impressive. Additionally, the «three» maintains straight-line stability and excellent handling.
In the first quarter of 2020, the new «three» starts from 3.1 million rubles, depending on the purchase location and configuration, while used cars, including those from the previous century, are sold for prices ranging from 0.1 million rubles to 1.5 million rubles. Cars with one to two years of usage can be purchased slightly cheaper, below 2 million rubles.
More: Comparison of BMW X5 and Infiniti FX 35, which is better
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Introduced almost a third of a century ago in the Mercedes-Benz car lineup, the C-Class designation is currently represented by the 4th generation (W205). It is now available in four body styles (sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet).
In 2017, the model underwent a facelift, resulting in changes to lighting, engines, multimedia systems, and further strengthened safety features. The exterior style has become even more minimalist, while the interior is comfortable, elevating the concept of luxury to a modern level.
The suspension of the C-Class offers five options, including one with air suspension, making it the most comfortable car from this brand by the end of the second decade of the 21st century. However, the ground clearance of 130 mm is not ideal for Russian road conditions.
With the speed limited by electronics to 250 km/h, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h ranges from 5.4 s to 8.6 s.
Becoming the owner of a Mercedes-Benz C 180 can cost around 2 million rubles (basic configuration), but there is no skimping on Mercedes, so a new one in 2020 will require an investment starting from 2.5 million rubles, while the most expensive car of this class, the AMG C 63 S, will cost between 5 and 6 million rubles. Used cars of this generation can be purchased for 1.2-1.8 million rubles.
Audi A4
A quarter of a century ago, the Audi brand (translated as «Listen» in Russian) introduced the A4 model designation. The latest fifth generation was presented online in 2015, and in 2019, its facelift version was released with changes announced as «global» rather than merely cosmetic.
What global changes have been incorporated into the new facelifted A4 B9 version? Despite significant alterations (new radiator grille and headlights, a more muscular bumper with neat air intakes, and more — changes that only spared the hood, roof, and trunk lid), the car's features from Ingolstadt not only hint but boldly proclaim their origin, now with a flawless sporty appearance and the legendary quattro drive.
The cabin remains spacious, retaining its main unique feature — the strip of air vent deflectors that almost spans the entire width of the dashboard.
Excellent aerodynamics and powerful engines enable acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8-9.5 s, with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Sales in Europe started from 33.6 thousand euros (approximately 2.4 million rubles). In Russia in 2020, the sedan is priced from 1.15 million rubles to 1.6 million rubles, while in the Premium C and Sport categories, prices range from 2.63 million rubles to 2.73 million rubles and 2.57 million rubles, respectively.
