BMW v Mercedes v Audi v Genesis v DS: Which is best?

If you’re in the market for a posh, family-friendly saloon, then this is just the video for you!

We’ve got our hands on the best, most luxurious mid-range saloons you can buy in 2023, and we’re about to find out which one is the best for you! Joining us for this video are the BMW 3 Series, Audi S4, Mercedes C-Class, Genesis G70 and the DS9.

Now we know what you’re thinking - the S4 costs loads more than the other cars here, and the DS9 is more of a competitor to the likes of the 5 Series and E-Class. That may be true, but the S4 is still largely similar in style & practicality to the other cars here, and as for the DS, once you add extras to these other cars, the price may be quite similar to the DS. So with that in mind, is it worth paying a bit extra and moving up a class?

Well, it’s time to find out! Mat’s going to put all these cars through a standard carwow review, covering their designs, interior, practicality, what they’re like to drive, and what engines are available. Oh, and of course, he’s going to launch them from 0-60mph!

So what’s your favourite car in this line-up? Let us know in the comments!

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:28 Price
01:20 Design
02:39 Interior
05:37 Back Seats
07:44 Boot
09:20 Engines
11:22 0-60mph
13:47 Genesis G70 Driving
16:30 DS9 Driving
19:26 Mercedes C-Class Driving
22:25 BMW 3 Series Driving
25:02 Audi A4 Driving
28:31 Verdict

Thanks to Audi Swindon for providing us with the S4:

[carwow]

COMMENT with your favourite car in this line-up below!

[Presto_]

You know this will be a great video when you have more than 4 cars you are comparing against. How cool would it be to have a carwow car of the year award where you do a 3-part series showing a range of the top cars you have chosen and then decide who wins the crown after doing a series of tests and reviews for that year. Similar to how top gear do it but in carwow style.

[TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

There is something about the Audi S4 that I think people don't appreciate enough about. I love this B9 generation of the Audi A4, S4, and RS 4.

[bradenkun]

The face lifted 3 series looks really really good. I also love the g70. Very attractive cars 😊

[snbala]

The 3 series has been the benchmark for a very long time, it’s what I would choose as it’s a drivers car that can carry the family with ease and looks good too.

[cartuningexpert]

To get an S4 for the same price as a normal 3 series and C-Class is just incomprehensible

[angad]

Germans are germans hands down but for a korean car to be here amongst the comparison says a lot how far they’ve come from a soccer mom’s car. 👏🏻

[jarkkohaimakainen]

Powerful headlights are very important here in the north (Finland) where there might be moose and deer crossing the roads regardless of the season. It would be helpful for viewers to include some kind of test regarding stock lights not only on Carwow but on reviews by other car channels as well (as smaller sized "designer headlights" are seemingly becoming more common)
Fennoscandic car manufacturers Saab and Volvo used to take that safety aspect seriously some time ago.
A nice group test, well done

[hamwicbi]

Having driven all of these cars (I'm a die hard VW Golf guy) the 3 Series or X3 is just sublime. The handling, transmission, drive, power everything is up their with all the best bits of the Golf but more. Merc and Audi are great luxury cars and are equal in many other areas but the BMW is just a better 'package'

[panagiotisk]

i personally own an audi a4 b9 2016 model, nothing fancy as an s4 or something, but what a car it is! its everything i wanted it to be, sporty, comfortable, really practical all at once, 2.0 TDI 190ps quattro model, u can feel the quattro thing like a train on rails in the corners, and the interior feels so much reasonable with the REAL gear selector and how the screen panels are angled to the user, the seat position, the mmi controls, it just feels so right and precise measured to the users comfort..

[renescx]

Agree. MB is the best plug in hybrid with the immense electric range. Great design too.
The bimmer would be my favorite too, as a 320d without xDrive

[b.m.]

Good review guys!
Always enjoy your reviews and good to see some everyday cars vs. the $100k plus type cars which have been reviewed recently.
Keep up the great work 🥳

[Jake.brazier]

The Audi is considerably older than the rest of these to be fair to it. I like the look of the new one that’s been spotted testing recently though

[golfbuddy]

I purchased an S4 (USA - gas) last year in Tango Red and I love it. Perfect combination of luxury and performance, and not near as common as MBs and BMWs.

[rickhoevenaars]

It’s unfortunate you don’t have access to the best spec of the Genesis in the UK.

I’m in Canada and bought a 2022 3.3 Litre, twin turbo G70 Sport AWD last year. It’s a great driving car, which is as much fun to drive as my Mercedes 1993 600SL. Granted, my Mercedes is an older car but it’s in mint condition and a great car to drive. The point is, the Genesis with the right spec is a really great car.

Also, the collision control features you complained about being too sensitive are all adjustable. I drive pretty aggressively and never have a problem with the nannies in the car.

[CantDcdeGoodNamsTakn]

Love the comparison videos! The class up A6 vs E class vs 5 series is due for a comparison video as well Matt 😉

[ApexGT]

The fact that the genesis has even in a comparison video with the other three manufacturers is impressive. I would always take the Mercedes. :)

[ahmedvorajee]

Thanks Matt, this video has helped me a lot in terms of making a decision. I’ve been looking at the 330e M sport X Drive Touring for my next company car.

[KDcybersec]

Bought a BMW 320e touring last year, best thing i ever driven, amazing vehicle, super happy

[barrystygall]

That chrome strip on the bonnet of the DS9 is a nod to the strip on the bonnet of the real Citroen DS, you know, the original work of genius. Come to that a comparison between the DS9 and a DS21 Pallas would make interesting viewing.