What is the difference between BMW Mercedes and Audi?

Answer 1

They are three different companies (all German).

They all have racing and historic credentials.

Brand emphasis:

• Audi: quattro four wheel drive, efficiency, lightness (though not always true)
• BMW: sportiness, balance and rear wheel drive - though increasingly 4WD in many markets.
• Mercedes: luxury, refinement, though not so true these days.

Performance division:

• Audi: quattro and is responsible for most of the RS,R cars.
• BMW: M and is responsible for the M cars, but also seems to make 'M Power' parts for all models.
• Mercedes:

All three have a portfolio of other brands and marques.

• Audi: part of VAG which includes Volkswagen SEAT, Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bugatti and others
• BMW: a smaller group, but includes MINI so they can sell shedloads of FWD vehicles without muting their RWD-is-awesome drum
• Mercedes: part of the Daimler group, includes Smart.

Last words:

• Audi: they do like their performance diesels for efficiency, double clutch gearboxes, 4WD and useful safety tech. Pioneers in all these things. Mainstream models considered bland and uninspiring.
• BMW: the peformance models are always well regarded by driving purists (RWD, 50:50 weight distribution, great balance), but are slowly moving away from this - witness the i3, i8, MINI and all the X cars.
• Mercedes: Classy and comfortable executive cars, loud and exciting performance cars, much tedium in the rest of the range.