Audi vs Mercedes vs BMW – which is best?
Three prestigious brands that are incredibly popular here in the UK, but which one is best?
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 07 March 2025 | 1 min read
Back in the 1990s, Audi, Mercedes and BMW were the brands you went to if you wanted prestige, class and comfort.
However, fast forward a few decades and all three brands have become a common sight on Britain’s roads.
With competitive used prices, an increase in standard equipment and more models available than ever before, have these German executive brands' bubbles finally burst?
Well, to find out, in this article we’ve put all three of the car makers back-to-back in an Audi vs Mercedes vs BMW test to find out which one makes the best cars. The good news is that you'll find examples of all three manufacturers on sale here at Cazoo.
Audi
Audi was founded in 1909, however, it was bought out by Volkswagen in 1966 after the company agreed that the German umbrella giant would help further expand the firm.
Audis have become a status symbol for those who want a Volkswagen with a more prestigious image, and for the last three decades, it has been churning out some of the most premium hatchbacks and saloons on the market.
Models available
The range of Audis is extensive, with the entry point being the A1, which shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Polo. Then you have the A3 hatchback, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8 saloons.
Its SUV range is broad too, with the Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q7 and Q8 all very popular choices here in the UK. It also offers an expanding range of electric models as well consisting of saloons and SUVs with the Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron, Q8 e-tron and e-tron GT four-door coupe.
Then, for the performance buyer, you have the ‘S’ and RS’ range, which turns the traditional family hatchbacks, estates and saloons into fire-breathing rocket ships with the S3, RS3, S4, S5, S6, RS6, S7, RS7, S8 and RS Q8 for example.
Trim levels
The entry-level point in the Audi range is the ‘Sport’ variation, which includes features such as heated front seats, a virtual cockpit display, rear parking sensors and Audi’s MMI infotainment display.
One of the most popular trim levels is the S-Line as it offers the consumer not just the same generous equipment levels of the Sport, but it benefits from sportier exterior and interior enhancements such as S-Line badging, larger alloy wheels, sports suspensions and sports seats.
One of the key trim levels in the Audi range is the Black Edition which gives you extras such as black door mirrors, black surrounds on the front grille and bumpers and black diamond cut alloy wheels.
Reliability
All Audis, when new, come with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty, which reassures the consumer with peace of mind.
Audis reliability record has come on leaps and bounds over the years, with older models suffering with electrical faults and high repair costs. However, the latest models have proven to be reliable cars with almost all of the firm’s cars scoring well when it comes to durability.
Mercedes
It’s the world’s oldest vehicle manufacturer, having invented the car back in 1886, and over the years was known as one of the most prestigious brands in the world.
With its pioneering history of safe, solid and dependable models, the three-pointed star emblem was the go-to choice if you wanted a car that could do everything and had a classless image.
The latest Mercedes line-up has come a long way from those models of yesteryear, offering an eclectic mix of hatchbacks, saloons, estates, EVs, SUVs and from its performance division, AMG.
Models available
Mercedes’ vehicle line-up comprises the A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, G-Class, S-Class, CLA, GLA, GLB, GLC, CLE, GLE and GLS.
The electric range consists of the CLA Electric, EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE, EQS, EQS SUV and G-Class Electric.
The AMG performance division is for those who want more power out of their standard Mercedes with high-performance versions of almost every model in the firm’s line-up.
Trim levels
Mercedes offers a rather confusing number of trim levels, but to break it down to make it simple, the entry-level point is the SE grade, which features alloy wheels, heated front seats and keyless entry.
Then, there is the Sport trim level, which tends to boast larger alloy wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, sportier exterior enhancements and chrome detailing.
The Sport Executive model features similar equipment to the former Sport model, and depending on the vehicle model, will gain things such as Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, privacy glass and front parking sensors.
Move higher up the range and you enter into the AMG Line specifications with the AMG Executive Edition. This will give you larger alloy wheels, an AMG bodykit and sports steering wheel.
Most flagship trim levels in the Mercedes range will be the AMG Line Premium Plus Edition which will give you a panoramic glass roof, LED headlights and plusher interior upholstery.
Reliability
Old Mercedes cars were some of the most solidly made and dependable ever to be produced. However, the company began to take a dip in the 2000s with the quality of its cars, with trim pieces breaking and electrical issues becoming a common problem.
But, fast forward to the present range of models and the quality has improved drastically with all Mercedes’ scoring well for reliability. The only issues would be the repair costs as parts and labour rates are higher with premium brands.
BMW
BMW was founded in 1916 and began its life as a manufacturer of aircraft engines. However, in 1928 the company turned from the aeronautical industry and became a maker of cars – with it producing its first passenger vehicles in the 1930s.
The company has become well known for producing some of the best driving cars on the road, and has a rich heritage of success in motorsport.
Also, with its famous ‘M’ division, the BMW brand has become a status symbol for British buyers.
Models available
Just like with Audi and Mercedes, BMW offers an extensive number of models in its current vehicle line-up.
The standard range of cars is the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series.
Its range of SUVs starts with the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 and then you have the electric range of cars being the iX, iX1, iX2, iX3, i4, i5 and i7.
And, we can’t ignore the M cars with the M2, M3, M4, M5, XM and M8, not to mention the range of M Sport and M models, which gives more power and beefier looks than their standard counterparts, without the higher price tags of the full fat ‘M’ versions.
Trim levels
BMW’s trim levels are easy to digest as the range starts off with SE. This tends to get you features such as a 6.5-inch infotainment display, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
Then you have the Sport grade which adds on from the SE with extras such as sports suspension and larger alloy wheels.
However, the most popular trim level you’ll find on a BMW is the M Sport. This is because it gives you a lot of design cues inside and out from the M division cars, such as ‘M’ badging, leather seats and M Sport tyres and wheels, all to improve the appearance.
Reliability
BMW tends to score very highly when it comes to reliability, having proven to be more durable than Audi and Mercedes.
However, still being a premium brand means that if something does go wrong, it will cost more to put right as part costs are usually higher.
Which one is best?
To sum up, all three of these premium German brands have proved to be extremely popular here in the UK.
All of them produce an extensive number of different models, while offering a wide range of petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains. Even better news is that you'll find cars from BMW, Mercedes and Audi here at Cazoo.