From entry-level cars to luxury sedans, a head-to-head comparison across the model line of the two luxury auto makers

For their proximate equality and performance-pushing rivalry, it’s hard to believe that BMW was once, in 1959, almost gobbled up by Mercedes-Benz. Luckily, no merger ever occurred and auto enthusiasts are the better for it, with a more plentiful German automotive cosmos to choose from.

Despite sharply divergent financial situations, BMW and Mercedes are more similar than they are different. Both brands command astonishing customer loyalty, have produced performance models that define automotive essence for gearheads around the world, and are bastions of luxury. Indeed, studies show that, despite the advance of Lexus, Jaguar, Infiniti, and others, the ultra rich still see Mercedes and BMW as the most prestigious brands on earth.

Entry-Level Sedan

BMW 325i vs. Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport

BMW pleased die-hard fans and auto industry insiders alike when it took the wraps off the new 3-Series. The design retains the aggressive exterior posture of previous generations. And its 215 horses feel and sound just right, continuing the 3’s legacy as the archetypal small sports sedan.

Although the C230 Sport is a worthy alternative on the interior amenity front (where it one-ups the 3 considerably), it just can’t keep up on the road.

Advantage: BMW 325i

Roadster

BMW Z4 3.0Si vs. Mercedes-Benz SLK350

For years, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have been playing a serious game of leapfrog in the roadster market, challenging one another with each new model. The Z4 was a huge improvement on the dowdy Z3, which was not much better than a Mazda Miata — and uglier, too. Currently, the SLK350 outguns the Z4 slightly, but it costs a lot more at the dealership and at the pump.

Simply put, the Z4 is a better value. Its toothy, shark-like grin can’t be beat for looks, either. BMW further upped the ante with a high-power M version of the Z4, which rides on 330 horses and gets to 60 in 4.9 seconds. That extra power comes at a ballooned cost, though. Count on adding an extra 20 grand for the upgrades.

Advantage: BMW Z4 3.0Si

Performance Sedan

BMW M5 vs. Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

The M5 is what auto legends are made of. The only outfit that could possibly hope to compete is Mercedes’ AMG tuner division, which has pumped the E55 up considerably. Both of these cars are more than worthy of their legacies (but don’t expect either manufacturer to sit still for long). Interiors differ drastically. The M5’s cabin is a study in the futuristic, a model for the next space shuttle cockpit, whereas the E55 interprets luxury in long, swooping lines.

It’s a photo finish for sure, but in the end the 500 horses and at-the-limit performance begged by the M5 win us over. In this segment, at this price point, one ought to be looking for the biggest and the baddest.

Advantage (By A Nose): BMW M5

Convertible

BMW 330Ci Convertible vs. Mercedes-Benz CLK350

This comparison isn’t exactly on equal footing. But that’s only because BMW doesn’t currently offer a convertible like the CLK350. Despite being nearly as quick with fewer horses, having a roomier interior and better gas mileage, the 330Ci can’t muster a serious challenge to the sleek and sexy CLK350. The Mercedes’ new, larger front intake is like the easy smile drivers inevitably wear behind the wheel of this classic and powerful cabriolet.

Note: There is a $56,600 BMW M3 convertible that is capable of outrunning the CLK350, but it’s more aptly matched with the bigger, more powerful Mercedes-Benz CLK500.

(Unfair) Advantage: Mercedes-Benz CLK350

SUV

BMW X5 4.4i vs. Mercedes-Benz ML500

For a long time, Mercedes-Benz had the luxury SUV space all to itself. But no more. BMW entered full force with the X5 and its smaller sidekick, the X3. Both are notable for maintaining a distinct BMW style and for featuring good performance and decent fuel consumption. (Remember, these are luxury SUVs.)

But Mercedes took it up a notch with the ML500. The recent redesign did away with the unfortunate “mini-van” elements of its predecessor, taking inspiration instead from the new and seriously upscale GL-Class. Indeed, Mercedes made the front end of the ML500 fierce enough to not only overshadow the X5, but also to take on the bawdiest Escalades.

Advantage: Mercedes-Benz ML500

Coupe

BMW M6 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG

This match-up may be one for the auto ages. And, it’s the most likely to separate Bimmer diehards from Merc worshipers. What makes choosing between the two even more difficult is that both models are admittedly starting points for future developments and are accurately described as insanely fast. BMW’s forthcoming M6 CLS will pack an additional 50 horses and AMG is promising a 621-horsepower monster.Although they occupy the same category, these two cars are more different than alike. The BMW goes for all-out white-knuckle driving, emphasizing high revs and perfect grip. The Mercedes, meanwhile, brings superior torque on top of a calibrated ride. Test drive most definitely required.Advantage: Draw

Full-Sized Sedan

BMW 750Li vs. Mercedes-Benz S550

A few years ago, the 7-Series was the definitive bad-boy of the full-sized luxury sedan market. The biggest BMW was the vehicle for to lead designer Chris Bangle’s debut. BMWs would no longer be all right angles and hard lines. Curves and bubbly lamps would make new models look modern and millennial. Since then, BMW’s been keeping the model’s performance up to par without drastically altering its looks.

And, since that earth-shattering redesign, the 7-Series has been eclipsed by the brand-new and truly astonishing S550. Mercedes is banking on the S-Class to restore its faltering glory, both in terms of public image and quality. To that end, the S550 merges top-of-the-line performance with a dazzling exterior which ever-so-slightly silhouettes Maybach models — at three times the price.

There is no more luxurious or handsome car in this price range on the road than the S550 (until the 7 gets a rework, that is).

Advantage: Mercedes-Benz S550

Courtesy: BusinessWeek