As you get older, you're put into one of three camps. It's either BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz, and the fan-bases for all are just as loyal as each other. Every country has tried to take on these three giants in the sedan game, but they've prevailed thanks to their unwavering appeal and technology. Between these three executive sedans, though, it always seems too close to call.With their reliability and value-for-money, early 2010s models are more popular than ever. The price of new cars has risen drastically, so more often people are choosing to go with a slightly older example to quench that thirst for one of the big three. We've compared them in this article so you don't have to — and highlighted our winner at the end.All information has been sourced from the manufacturer and reputable independent reviews. We have compared the top-spec models of each car at the time, excluding the high-performance models. The Ultimate German Sedan Battle Even though everyone remembers the high-performance versions of these vehicles, those being the M, RS, and AMG-designated models, it's the simpler versions that are the earners in the lineup. They may look similar on the outside, but they approach the classic midsize three-box recipe from completely different angles. Now that SUVs have taken over the roads, the sedan is becoming a rarer sight, meaning a deal can be found on the classifieds for each of these vehicles. First though, you just need to pick your favorite. 2010-2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) Bring A TrailerStarting with the car that was first introduced back in 2010, the W212-generation of Mercedes E-Class capitalized on the success the Stuttgart-based manufacturer found with prior iterations. Design was a primary factor in this car's development, with the bulging rear arches reminiscent of the Ponton Mercedes models of the 1950s. Design elements were also taken from the S-Class to bring the model lineup closer together. 2011-2017 BMW 5 Series (F10) You know what you're getting with a BMW: driving dynamics in what would otherwise be a sensible luxury sedan. It's the only car available in this comparison test with a manual transmission, too. The styling of the F10 5 Series car was slightly less controversial than that of its predecessor, the E60 5 Series, and it was facelifted in 2014 to include slightly revised styling and upgraded equipment. This car shared a 117.5-inch platform with the 7 Series, making it appear bigger and more muscular. 2012-2018 Audi A6 (C7) AudiThe C7 Audi A6 was introduced last, and it's probably the midsize sedan that shares the most design elements with the larger executive sedan, the Audi A8. This generation increased the A6's wheelbase by nearly three inches, and while there may not be a V8 option for this generation, it has a supercharged V6 to take on the rivals. While it felt dated towards the end of its life, the interior and reliability were a highlight. The Peak Of Car Interiors AudiAll three of these sedans are similar inside, but there are some considerations when it comes to interior space. The 5 Series' platform allows for more space in the rear with an impressive 18.4 cubic feet, but it falls short when it comes to rear passenger legroom. It's the Audi A6 that takes the crown on that one with two extra inches of space. If you're going to be driving a lot, though, the BMW 5 Series does have a lot of space in front for tall passengers.The main takeaway from looking at all three interiors side by side is how many buttons we've lost over the years, with all three of these cars featuring physical controls for key functions like the HVAC system and tuning the radio. If you're after screens, it's the BMW that has the biggest available as part of the navigation package, which ups the size to over 10 inches.Mercedes-Benz As all three are luxury vehicles, you'll be able to find a host of interior features to enhance the drive. They all have premium options for sound, like the Harman/Kardon system in the Mercedes, and the BMW can be equipped with a head-up display for ease on the move. If we were shopping for the Audi A6, we'd also look for the Driver Assistance Package, which includes heated wing mirrors and a 360-degree camera for easier parking. Three Distinct Powertrains Bring A TrailerThe table above shows a comparison of the top trims from each manufacturer, although there were multiple powertrains to choose from on each car. The BMW, for example, could be found with five engines, one being an efficient diesel and one a hybrid. The petrol engines range from a four-cylinder 528i with 240 horsepower to a V8 550i with 444 horses. As mentioned, it's the only one on the list with a manual transmission, and when that's paired with BMW's legendary chassis tuning, it's the driver's choice here.Bring A Trailer The Mercedes and Audi both have two gas options paired with a single diesel engine. Audi optioned for a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylidner as the base engine, although those who want the most efficiency will go for the TDI powerplant, which gets an impressive 29 mpg combined. As for the Mercedes, the diesel engine gets 25 mpg combined, but it has an impressive 400 lb-ft of torque to make journeys easier. Values Today Differ Bring A Trailer All three sedans can be had for less than you'd expect, and much less than their MSRP in the early 2010s. For the BMW, we'd recommend looking at the post-facelift (2014-) model, as this car came with upgraded infotainment, an improved automatic transmission system, and minor exterior changes that bring it closer to looking new. High-mileage 528i models can dip under $10,000, although we'd look closer at 535i models for their upgraded power. 550i trims aren't much more expensive (we found some for $15k).Mercedes-Benz sedans are similar, but are much better equipped for the same money compared to the BMW. For example, a tidy E 350 Luxury with the premium sound system, heated seats and sports-look package can easily slip into the $10k mark. Even the upgraded engine, the E 550, isn't much more expensive and comes with a V8 engine. As with the other two options, the early models could be less reliable than the late models, as there are more recalls recorded.Audi Audi A6 models are quite varied, but what you don't have to worry about here is all-wheel-drive. All A6 models from this era are equipped with standard quattro AWD, so if you need something with extra grip, it may be the best choice for cheaper than the others. The Prestige trim is the highest available, and paired with the supercharged 3.0-liter engine, you'll be looking at around $16k. Specific Issues You Need To Look Out For On the whole, all three choices are reliable, but there are things to look out for. The BMW's N63 V8 engine is known for excessive oil consumption due to the 'hot-vee' design of the engine which burns the oil under stress. Some owners have also reported fuel injector failures, but the big one to watch is the timing chain. BMW says these can stretch over time, and it can be a silent engine killer. We'd get this inspected before pulling the purchase trigger. As with the Audi, there are some concerns with the timing chain, which can rattle over time and wear. Regular oil changes are vital to ensuring timing chains don't wear prematurely here. Owners have mentioned water pump and thermostat failures, which aren't tricky to fix but something to check in the service history at around 60,000 miles. The PCV valve, which controls pressure within the engine, is known to fail on these vehicles, and it's an in-depth job. Making these jobs a little more challenging is the fact the PCV, water pump, and thermostat are all accessed by removing the supercharger, as they hide within the 'vee' of the engine. With the M273 engine in the E550, we'd check if the intake manifold has suffered any issues in the past, as many owners replace the entire system due to inlet flap failures. The oil filter and cooler housing is also known to leak, although it is a solid powerplant compared to the other two engines in this comparison. Common Things To Check On Each Car Service History: Any engine, but especially the more powerful options, should be maintained properly. That means a pack of service history is a great thing to have when buying a used German sedan. Faulty Electrics: With the amount of features in these cars, such as air suspension, heated seats, and satellite navigation, there are many ways for the electrics to become faulty. Check as many features as you can on a test drive, as these fixes can be expensive. Modifications: With their large displacement and tunability, many engines have been fettled to make more power, so any modifications carried out should be done professionally with evidence in the history book. There Can Only Be One Winner... Bring A Trailer All three German sedans are reliable daily drivers with their own advantages, but for this comparison, we're going with the Mercedes E-Class. Each car is similarly priced in the classifieds, but for a luxury sedan, you want effortless power and as many features as possible, which is where the Mercedes-Benz impresses the most. If you can live with the subpar fuel economy, we'd go for a V8 model with all the bells and whistles to make you feel like royalty.If you're more interested in the driving aspect, the BMW is naturally the best choice. Any engine you choose will be smooth, and we're always going to advocate for the extra involvement a manual transmission gives you. The Audi A6 has a great interior and timeless design, but the driving experience can sometimes feel numb.Sources: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi
