The debate about which brand of car is better - Mercedes, Audi or BMW - has been going on for more than a decade. It is these three German giants that are in the top three, while they are in approximately the same price segment.
Therefore, it is very difficult to give an unequivocal answer, you have to take into account a lot of factors:
- specifications;
- cabin comfort;
- safety.
Also of great importance are the opinions of experts, sales levels in different countries. In addition, various ratings are compiled every year in the world, the main of which is “The Best Car of the Year”.
In this article on the site we will try to figure out which is better: Audi or Mercedes.
Expert opinion is critical. best car years are defined in many countries. So, in 2015, at the motor show in New York, he was recognized as the best Mercedes-Benz C-class. He was able to leave far behind the BMW 2 series, updated Volkswagen Passat B8, Nissan Qashqai and Mazda 2.
Laurels of the winner in the nomination the best sport car years in the USA also got Mercedes AMG GT. Here, many models competed with him, among which were the Audi TT and Audi S3.
Mercedes is also ahead of Audi in the European nomination A Car of the Year, although it lost first place to Citroen C4 Cactus (248 points), Mercedes C-class (221 points). Audi cars are not even in the top five.
But in Russia they love Audi more.
Yes, according to Russian motorists Audi brand is considered the best in the following categories:
- novelty of the year - Audi TT;
- premium brand of the year.
Audi TT was also considered the best coupe of 2015.
The most interesting thing is that the best car for the city in 2015, the Russians chose UZ Daewoo Matiz. And Lada Kalina Cross became the best all-rounder off-road, scoring more points than even the Audi A6 AllRoad.
Well, if we analyze the data for all those years that there is an award "A Car of the Year" in Europe as part of the Geneva car showroom, then Mercedes and Audi only once became the best:
- Mercedes-Benz S-class W116 - 1974;
- Audi 80 - 1973.
Specifications
It is clear that comparing all model line these giants of the German car industry, we will not, but here are some iconic models that can be compared.
Three crossover models competed in 2014:
- Mercedes GLA- 170 hp, 220 CDI 4 Matic DCT, 6.1 l/100 km;
- Audi Q3 - 177 hp, 2.0 TDi Quattro S Tronic, 6.3 l/100 km;
- BMW X1 - 184 hp, xDrive 20d, automatic transmission, 6.1 l/100 km.
That is, it is clear that the cars are the same in their class: all-wheel drive crossovers, with almost the same power diesel engines and the same fuel consumption combined cycle. All are equipped with an automatic transmission.
What did the test drive show?
Mercedes GLA- there is a lack of power, competitors calmly bypass it on a straight line. A tank volume of 50 liters is enough for 800 km, while Audi and BMW cover 1010 and 960 km, respectively, at one gas station.
True, Mercedes is "stuffed" with a mass of electronics, all kinds of sensors. So, if you buy a car not for racing, but for family long trips, then the Mercedes GLA will be an excellent choice.
It is worth noting this fact: in terms of their dimensions, both Mercedes and BMW X1 are inferior to the Audi Q3, that is, Audi has the most spacious and comfortable interior. But on the other hand, Audi is inferior in its exterior - Mercedes and BMW look really cooler and more aggressive (although this is not for everyone).
When the experts calculated all the pros and cons, analyzed the capabilities of the cars on the track, and also looked at the price tags, the following picture turned out:
- BMW - 470 points (excellent technical characteristics, quite spacious interior, although smaller than that of Audi, recognizable appearance);
- Audi - 467 points (roomy, soft suspension, good engine And fast box gear, but the appearance is not very good);
- Mercedes - 450 (excellent handling, prestigious look, but for this class rather weak engine, not spacious enough interior).
Mercedes also let us down because of the inflated cost.
Of course, the results of such tests should not be taken too seriously. It's no secret that crossovers are the prerogative of BMW. Audi and Mercedes are more associated with respectable and executive sedans. And in this segment, they could give odds to any other model.
What are the chances against the Audi A6 2.0 TDI and the BMW 520d? Let's take a look at the competition between premium business class sedans. The Germans tested German luxury sedans, we have studied the results and share them with our readers.
New Mercedes E class(2016) a completely different car compared to the models we've seen before. And it's not about appearance, but about a new round of evolution, new paradigm model creation. He is not what he used to be.
This is easy to prove, just look at restyled version W212 body and compare it with the new one. Outwardly new Mercedes-Benz generation became very similar to the S-Class. The W213 model fits perfectly into the new family, taking a middle position between the "younger" and "older" brothers, while its maximum equipment technically almost equal to the premium S-coy.
With the previous body, it was the other way around. The sedan seemed to stand apart, and this was evident even after global restyling. There was a feeling that the Germans seemed to be preparing us for a total change of model, no more double headlights, no improvisation in style. You need to look up to the leader.
Indeed, if the appearance of the S-Class is so fond of millions of motorists, why not let it go to the masses, while unifying the technical component? The fact has come true, the plan has been realized.
Who do journalists oppose to the German against the E-Class? Eternal rivals, a business sedan from Munich, the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6, which is known to have been developed in Ingolstadt.
The Germans took the most popular and widespread models in Europe: Mercedes E 220 d, BMW 520d and Audi A6 2.0 TDI. And they went with them on a trip along the roads of Germany.
All tested cars have similar two-liter four-cylinder engines, the power of each instance is suitable for 200 hp. There are also turbochargers on board and automatic boxes gears (from seven to ten steps). The A6 is driven by the front axle, the other two sedans are rear-wheel drive.
INTERIOR, CAPACITY, INSIDE CONVENIENCE E-CLASS, A6 AND 5-SERIES
Even at first glance, the Mercedes E-Class, thanks to its harmonious proportions and characteristic appearance(again, remember the S-Class) looks more impressive than its opponents. Psychological trick coolly thought out and easily captivates an unsophisticated audience. It seems to people that in the cabin it is more shifting and.
Salon W213 inside is presented in all its updated charm. The cockpit architecture is a mixture of C and S-Class, while technically leaning in favor of "big brother". Two large monitors will unobtrusively tell about this, more refined than in the interior design and the general cozy atmosphere of the living room in expensive house. Large doors provide easy access to spacious interior. Eshka has a technological and modern salon.
What about the competitors? Competitors in style are seriously lagging behind. Not the last role in this backlog was played by the early start of sales of BMW and Audi models. The design of the five BMW was six years behind, the Audi five. And it really feels. Perhaps many will say that style preferences are purely individual and we fully agree with this. It is impossible to compare sports and aggressive BMW with a refined Mercedes or Audi. At any time, competitors were designed for different categories of buyers, and they have remained so to this day.
Therefore, we immediately move on to the space of salons. Who is the winner in this category? Nobody. All three limousines will provide a decent amount of cubic meters, even the tallest and largest passengers will not be cramped, even in the back seat.
In terms of ease of use, the differences between the three Germans are also not felt, the difference is in the details and presentation, otherwise the thoughtfulness of each of them is on top. The driver and his passengers will definitely not have to think for the designers. All controls are located where you would expect them to be and at such a distance that anyone can easily use them.
Perhaps Mercedes can be conditionally called the winner in this part, nevertheless new model received many touch controls, including on the steering wheel. But you first need to get used to this convenience, it will take some time to switch from analog control (on Audi and BMW) to electronic control.
For perfectionists one of the most important parameters The plushness of the cabin is its build quality. Here the leader was ..., no, not Mercedes, but Audi. The guys from Ingolstadt know a lot about the perfect fit of interior details. Excellent quality materials, precise joints, attention to detail even in places that are essentially hidden from the eyes of users, Audi showroom- monolithic composition.
The other two subjects have one problem for two, there are absolutely miserable, barely noticeable flaws. It seems like it's okay, but in an expensive business class, I would like more thorough quality control and height of performance.
Large trunk and three-piece folding backrest rear seat(40:20:40) bring Mercedes more bonus points.
HIGH-TECH E-CLASS
The trump card in the Mercedes E 220 d's sleeve is its safety. Especially for the E-Class in the back, he developed many auxiliary protection systems, electronic security systems that protect not only everyone in the cabin, but people near the car. Here is a partial list of safety and convenience options and features in Mercedes-Benz:
head-up display
Digital dashboard
Command Online system
Matrix LED headlights
Autonomous car parking by mobile phone
Smartphone as a key to open / close doors
Lane Assist and Blind Spot Assist
Drive Pilot system, practically autopilot on the car
Emergency stop system
Emergency braking function
Speed Limit Pilot
Active rebuild system
Pedestrian detection system
Traffic sign recognition function
Function emergency braking when passing through intersections
Belts with integrated airbag
Pre-Safe Pulse system
Some of the systems installed on the MB W213 are also present on BMW with Audi, such as assistance with emergency braking. Other features can only be seen on Mercedes, for example,- new feature steering assistance. The function is technological and pleasant, it is a pity that it is practically not used in everyday life. There is also active cruise control or traffic jam assistant. A similar system is on . Audi did without it.
Mercedes wins unconditional victory. But Daimler is too early to rejoice. Soon there will be new generations of its competitors, with even more advanced technologies. Then we will make a comparison, it will be fair. And not the fact that Mercedes can become better than the other two business limousines.
STEEL SPRINGS VS AIR SUSPENSION, WHICH OF THE THREE IS MORE COMFORTABLE?
During the experimental runs on the business trio, positive and negative sides standard spring suspension and newfangled air spring suspension. The test Mercedes and Audi had exactly pneumatic chassis. At BMW, shock absorbers were installed.
In Germany, it is impossible to find roads with a sufficient variety of potholes. Therefore, the calculation of suspension types according to the highest comfort indicator is almost impossible. During the whole day of trips, it was not possible to determine the winner. All three cars showed confident handling at speeds well over 100 km / h, did not hit the face during high-speed taxiing and worked out irregularities that occasionally came across by 5 points.
Perhaps the differences were at least somehow noticeable when crossing the seams on flyovers and bridges, 19 inch wheels on Audi gave a harsher effect compared to Mercedes-Benz. And then, only at low speeds and with one person in the cabin. BMW showed that sensible spring suspension nothing different from pneumatic will not.
At the convenience of long trips Seats play a big part. In a new car from Stuttgart seats for the driver and passengers have been seriously redesigned. Improved lateral support for the backs of the front seats, increased their area. Compared to the stiffer and sportier seats in BMW and Audi, the three-pointed sedan wins the top prize for its comfort.
The low noise level inside the Mercedes cabin further consolidates the championship.
Audi and Mercedes have one important feature, additional sound insulation which can be installed for additional money. In Munich, such an add. option not offered, so wind noise on high speeds it will still make its way into his salon.
EFFICIENT DIESELS DOMINATE THE BUSINESS CLASS
Although gasoline engines become more economical, and on the heels of engines running on natural gas, coming pervasive, diesel variation is still the No. 1 in the luxury class in Europe. About 90 percent of vehicles from Audi, BMW and Mercedes are sold in this segment with diesel engines.
To be even more attractive to potential buyers, Mercedes has developed a completely new, two-liter 194-horsepower turbodiesel. With unrivaled ease, the turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, takes the Mercedes E 220 d away from its competitors, leaving only a trace of its led lights. Moreover, the new diesel engine is quite resourceful and has a high torque, which affects its ability to quickly accelerate even when the car is moving at a speed of more than 100 km / h. Diesel Mercedes effortlessly “does” both the Bavarian and premium sedan from . And this is not even despite its mass, it is heavier than its competitors in the segment. Consumption in the combined cycle is only 3.9 liters.
DYNAMICS AND DRIVENESS BMW, MERCEDES AND AUDI
On a Munich car as standard installed tires narrow enough and this should have had a negative impact on the handling of the machine. Perhaps this would indeed be the case if it were not for important factor, BMW thought out the suspension of its four-door so well and tuned the integral active steering that this particular car was the best of the three when it came to cornering and active high-speed taxiing. S-curves, gentle high-speed autobahn curves, sharp turns on two-lane rural roads, nowhere did the fifth series let you doubt its capabilities. Only on this test car could you really feel the sporty drive.
Unlike temperamental BMW, A6 and E-Class are quiet and measured cars. Audi has not been without problems. They had to solve a lot of problems related to steering. Firstly, as much as 400 Nm of torque is transmitted to the front wheels, and secondly, the front wheels have a multidirectional load from taxiing. In order to prevent unnecessary overloads from being transferred to the steering wheel, the Audi hydraulic booster is more powerful, which causes one, but a significant minus - the feeling of connection between the steering wheel and the wheels is lost. Plus, the Audi has a noticeable tendency to understeer in certain cornering modes.
E-Class stands apart from everyone. Despite better dynamics, the character of Mercedes is not dynamic. In it, you will not feel the same exciting moments as with a BMW. Acceleration will occur smoothly and measuredly, and you will not feel how the car is like jet aircraft exchanges the first 100 km / h. ESP clearly knows its business, allowing the car some liberties, but in right moment taking on the difficulties of stabilizing the car. high torque and rear drive, as well as disabled electronic systems give hope for an interesting drift in the winter.
Braking. Either the large-diameter wheels of Audi and Mercedes behave positively during exercise, “slowing down”, or the BMW did not have the brakes warmed up, but braking distances from 100 km / h for the Stuttgarians is 33 meters, for a limousine from Ingolstadt a meter more. BMW needed a little more - 35 meters.
MERCEDES E 220 D- COOL BUT EXPENSIVE CAR
The biggest disadvantage of the new Mercedes E-Class is its price. Even the Germans notice this. Its cost is higher than its competitors not only in Russia, but throughout the world. At home, the initial price of the E 220 D starts from 47.124 Euros. For 2.0 TDI Ultra S Tronic you will have to pay 44.600 Euro banknotes. The BMW 520d is in the middle - 45.730 Euro.
In Russia diesel model The E 220 d in the Business modification will cost buyers 2,990,000 rubles. Two-litre diesel version Audi sedan Unfortunately, we don't have it. The rear-wheel drive version of the BMW 520d in the base will cost 2,600,000 rubles.
The difference of 400 thousand rubles between Mercedes / BMW is obvious and it is obvious what it is paid for. Expensive features, exclusive safety package, improved comfort, novelty and exclusivity, add to that air suspension and the very fact that we have a Mercedes-Benz in front of us and everything will fall into place. Therefore, we will not write down the high cost of a sedan in its minuses. Rather, let's say this is a Mercedes nuance that needs to be measured.
|
Specifications |
Audi A6 |
bmw 520d |
Mercedes |
|
Number of cylinders / valves. |
R4/4; turbodiesel |
R4/4; turbodiesel |
R4/4; turbodiesel |
|
Camshaft drive |
timing belt |
Chain |
Chain |
|
Volume |
1968 cc |
1995 cc |
1950 cc |
|
Power |
140 kW/190 hp |
140 kW/190 hp |
143 kW/194 hp |
|
Max. torque |
400 Nm |
400 Nm |
400 Nm |
|
checkpoint |
7-speed gearbox, with |
8 speed |
9 speed |
|
Drive unit |
front |
rear |
rear |
|
0 - 100 km/h |
8.0 sec |
7.7 sec |
7.5 sec |
|
Max speed |
232 km/h |
233 km/h |
240 km/h |
|
Real consumption |
6.7 L D / 100 km |
6.2 L D / 100 km |
6.3 L D / 100 km |
|
L/W /H |
4933/1874/1445 |
4907/1860/1464 |
4923/1852/1468 |
|
Weight |
1761 kg |
1730 kg |
1833 kg |
|
479 kg |
510 kg |
507 kg |
|
|
Starting price (in Europe) |
44.600 Euro |
45.730 Euro |
47.124 euros |
Introduction
For more than a dozen years, Russians have been using the services, which, of course, is due to the creation by such large concerns as Mercedes and Audi of very high quality and productive Vehicle who are able for a long time to prove themselves as a reliable and faithful iron horse always ready to help his master. However, in order to decide which brand of car is better for a modern consumer, you will have to at least get acquainted with the technical characteristics of the presented cars.
Comparing the cars of such large organizations as Mercedes and Audi is quite simple, because they are rightfully considered the largest German giants producing spectacular and at the same time efficient cars. The German automotive industry is a leader among model organizations. Notable is the fact that the value of vehicles owned by both Mercedes, and Audi, fluctuates at almost the same level.
For a more detailed analysis, consider the technical characteristics of the machines, their internal comfort and, importantly, safety. When choosing a vehicle, you should not rely solely on personal preferences, which is why we will find out the opinion of experts and get acquainted with the level of sales German cars in different countries of the world. Do not neglect the title "", which is awarded annually to one or another brand of car.
Worldwide recognized car
Like any other field, the automotive industry is subject to scrutiny by venerable experts, whose opinion is often decisive. For more than one year, people from all countries have been uniting to really choose the vehicle that is an order of magnitude better than the rest released this year.
For example, according to the results of the last 2015 of the year Mercedes-Benz C-category, which was a nominee for the motor show held in New York, became the undisputed leader. It should be noted that among the cars with which he competed, one could see the BMW 2 series, new Volkswagen Passat B8 (improved), Nissan Qashqai and Mazda 2.
The second competition held within the United States also did not bypass Mercedes, the leading place among the best sports cars received a Mercedes AMG-GT. The main contenders for this place were two models of Audi: Audi TT and Audi S3.
However, and that's not all, Mercedes has proven itself well in the European nomination called "A Car of the Year". Despite the fact that the Citroen C4 Cactus took the first place with 248 points, the C-class Mercedes, having scored 221 points, left its fellow Audi behind.
Remarkably, in 2015, cars produced by the Audi concern did not even manage to get into the top five world leaders. True, this did not affect the demand for Audi cars in Russia. Compatriot motorists do not agree with the opinion of foreign colleagues, putting in first place in the nominations the best novelty year and premium brand Audi TT car. In addition, the Audi TT is recognized as best coupe last year. As for the Mercedes S-category, the Russians awarded him the title.
An interesting fact is that the UZ Daewoo Matiz became the best car of 2015. Patriotic Kalina Cross is recognized as the most promising station wagon, which has better cross. It is not known for what reasons, but this car was several points ahead of even the newfangled Audi A6 AllRoad.
If you look "in the piggy bank" of the "A Car of the Year" contest, it becomes known that the Europeans only once awarded Mercedes-Benz and Audi the title best cars of the year. Listen to the opinion of experts or not - the individual choice of each. True, even this aspect indicates that Audi and Mercedes are in the same position.
Specifications
Compare all the lineup the two richest is too long and difficult, so let's spend comparative analysis only the most iconic cars. Organizations recently showed the world presentable high-end crossovers, including:
- Mercedes GLA 170 hp s., 220 CDI 4 Matic DCT, fuel consumption of 6.1 liters in the combined cycle;
- Audi Q3 with a return of 177 liters. s., 2.0 TDi Quattro S Tronic and fuel consumption of 6.3 liters in the combined cycle.
The given cars are similar in the category with the presence of all-wheel drive, automatic transmission, typical power of diesel power units and the same fuel consumption.
Test drive of promising models
A car like the Mercedes GLA has repeatedly proved its lack of power, as evidenced by the presence of a huge list of competitors that can quickly get around it even on a straight line. Fuel tank can hold only 50 liters, this volume is enough for 800 km. In fairness, it should be noted that one refueling of an Audi car is enough for 1010 km.
However, the above argument can be covered by the fact that Mercedes better audi regarding the amount of electronics contained in it and the many different sensors. Mercedes GLA can become an indispensable vehicle for those who wish to purchase not racing car, but beautiful modern car designed mainly for family long trips.
If you do not take into account the technical characteristics, but pay attention to the dimensions of the cars, you can immediately notice the spacious and cozy lounge Audi Q3, which cannot be said about its rival Mercedes. However, in the exterior, which was in second place in the previous nomination, the Mercedes car looks more confident, its aggressiveness and notes of sports style should be noted.
After a thorough check of all possible details, an incorruptible analysis of the capabilities of the two cars shown on the track and the cost of these vehicles, the experts put:
- Audi 467 points (preference was given to good roominess, soft suspension, quality power unit and productive transmission. The decrease in points was due to the presence of not the most presentable appearance);
- Mercedes 450 points (special attention was given to the excellent handling and prestige of the exterior. The only thing that does not allow you to put it higher is weak motor and not too spacious interior).
Despite its not the highest technical characteristics, a car that not every motorist can pay.
Once upon a time, three German luxury brands could easily be distinguished. Audi was a lesser known option for knowledgeable people, mercedes benz was the traditional and unchanging king of the market, and BMW is an ideal option for VIP buyers. But that was in the 80s, and the world has changed since then.
Changes
Each of the BMW and Mercedes companies in 2014 sold more cars than Chrysler, and Audi is a full-fledged player on big market with an increase in sales Last year at 15 percent (although this is still only about half of what Mercedes sells). All three companies sell a wide range of models ranging from advantageous offers and ending with luxury cars with an initial cost of thirty thousand dollars, various models SUVs, 12-cylinder luxury cars, the price of which can exceed 150 thousand dollars. It's worth taking a look at where each brand is at the moment.
Audi
A lot of people were Audi fans. Is the same Quattro model With all-wheel drive was one of the most popular and sought after. In addition, these cars quickly lost in price, so anyone could afford to change used models quite often. However, then it was easy to notice that Audi lacked dynamics, even the most sports models. To date, most Audi models remain not as dynamic as other representatives. automotive market. Only the R8 boasts perfect handling and excellent dynamics. However, these machines have their own strengths- For example, incredible design interiors. In addition, if compared not with German monsters, then Audi will always have an advantage over many world models. But at the same time, many people still see the Audi simply as a higher-class Volkswagen.
"BMW"
This brand is used to feel like a king on the road. Most models impress with their combination of power and refinement, but with all the power, the engines ran smoothly and almost silently. True, many BMW owners are immediately labeled a dandy, but this can be tolerated, since the performance of these machines is at an incredible height. Recently, however, new BMW models can be disappointing with their performance, which has been severely reduced in order to reduce emissions. Of course, this is a useful thing, but now BMW no longer stands above all other brands, but almost caught up with them.
"Mercedes"
Mercedes cars have always had a certain depth. They did not allow you to accelerate to huge speeds in record time, but the more you spent behind the wheel of such a car, the more you began to appreciate it. With the exception of some quality problems, since 1996, Mercedes has remained true to its traditions and its image. This brand has a history that demonstrates high quality for many years. Of course, the interiors of the Mercedes are still inferior to the Audi, but these cars are still pleasant to be inside, and many people choose them.
