Mercedes-Benz Vs. Tesla: Which Brand Is Better?

Mercedes-Benz Vs. Tesla: Which Brand Is Better?

The luxury Tesla vs. Mercedes-Benz debate is well-known among automotive experts. Both brands have a history of high performance and advanced technology – so which one is better? Join us as we explore the origins of each automaker, the innovative models they've each produced, and the safety and reliability they bring to the industry.

Shop Online
Contact Us

Origin Stories: How Mercedes-Benz & Tesla Began

One of the most compelling aspects of the modern Tesla vs. Mercedes-Benz rivalry is each brand's origin story. Mercedes-Benz roots run deep, reaching back to 1884 when Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach collaborated to create a compact, low-weight internal combustion engine. The first official Mercedes-Benz vehicle debuted in 1901, showcasing a low center of gravity and 35 horsepower. Fast-forward to modern day and drivers can enjoy this automaker's legacy in their premium lineup of luxury cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles.

The attention-grabbing Tesla brand was launched in 2003 by international tycoon Elon Musk, with the first Tesla Roadster sports car hitting the market in 2008. The Model S sedan soon followed in 2012, and the well-loved Model X SUV debuted in 2015. Though Tesla is a younger brand with less experience, the brand's engineers have proven time and again that modern technology can and should be leveraged to create eco-friendly options.

Luxury Tesla vs. Mercedes-Benz Models: SUVs, Sedans & EVs of the Future

Understanding the history of these two brands is important, but the real proof of automotive excellence is found in the Mercedes-Benz vs. Tesla models. By developing strong families of SUVs, sedans, and electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla have allowed drivers to feel safe, have fun, and truly enjoy their driving experiences.

Mercedes-Benz & Tesla SUVs & Coupes

Mercedes-Benz & Tesla SUVs & Coupes

Mercedes-Benz SUVs offer elegance for every lifestyle. The 2024 gas and hybrid lineup includes:

  • Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV
  • Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
  • Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV
  • Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
  • Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV
  • Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV
  • Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV

Although the Tesla family of SUVs is smaller, keep in mind that this automaker is still growing, so we expect to see a more extensive offering of electric Tesla sport utility vehicles in the future:

  • Tesla Model X
  • Tesla Model Y
Mercedes-Benz & Tesla Sedans

Mercedes-Benz & Tesla Sedans

If a car's stunning speed and low-riding performance are calling your name, you're likely taking a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz and Tesla sedan offerings. Here are the sleek gas-powered and hybrid Mercedes-Benz sedans and wagons available in 2024:

  • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon
  • Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Drive home in a stunning, all-electric Tesla sedan and capture top speeds up to 200 mph and horsepower up to 1,020:

  • Tesla Model S
  • Tesla Model 3
Mercedes-Benz & Tesla Electric Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz & Tesla Electric Vehicles

In its pursuit of automotive excellence and environmental sustainability, Mercedes-Benz engineers have developed six electric models:

  • The EQB SUV from Mercedes-Benz
  • The EQE Sedan from Mercedes-Benz
  • The EQE SUV from Mercedes-Benz
  • The EQS Sedan from Mercedes-Benz
  • The EQS SUV from Mercedes-Benz
  • The EQS SUV Maybach from Mercedes-Benz

Every Tesla vehicle is powered by fully electric motors, so no matter which car or SUV you choose, you'll drive home with zero emissions. Tesla engineers have also developed the electric Cybertruck if off-road adventure is in your future!

Ready to shop our new vehicles? Take a spin through our extensive inventory to find a Mercedes-Benz vehicle or Tesla model you love!

Tesla vs. Mercedes-Benz Innovation: Self-Driving Technology for Stress-Free Driving

Tesla vs. Mercedes-Benz Innovation: Self-Driving Technology for Stress-Free Driving

With decades of automotive innovation, Mercedes-Benz continues to pioneer new advancements and push the automotive industry toward higher standards. The brand recently pioneered its signature DRIVE PILOT technology, a conditionally automated self-driving system, in two Mercedes-Benz models. DRIVE PILOT lets you take your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, and simply enjoy the ride.

Elon Musk founded Tesla to accelerate the world's transition toward sustainable energy, which includes conserving your energy while driving. With Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability systems available in every new Tesla model, drivers can rely on their car or SUV's technology to match the speed of surrounding traffic, auto-steer and change lanes, and auto-park in parallel or perpendicular spaces.

Comparing Tesla vs. Mercedes-Benz Safety & Reliability: Which Brand is Best?

When you buy a new car online at Tom Wood Automotive Group, you'll quickly notice that both brands provide the safety systems and reliability ratings you expect from a luxury vehicle. With multiple 5-Star NHTSA ratings1 and years of IIHS Top Safety Pick (Plus) Awards,2 Tesla and Mercedes-Benz have proven themselves to be reliable options for drivers who need a confidence-inspiring car or SUV.

Both automakers also equip their vehicles – even at the entry level – with critical safety features, so you can transport your family with peace of mind. With Automatic Emergency Braking and Park Assist in the Tesla models and ATTENTION ASSIST® and Active Attention Assist DISTRONIC® in the Mercedes-Benz trims, you can feel safe and secure in your new automobile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Mercedes-Benz or Tesla?

Truthfully, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla are both premium automakers that offer a top-quality selection of vehicles, so choosing a winning brand is ultimately your decision. Both companies value sustainability, innovation, and driver-centric design, so no matter which make and model you choose, you'll be driving home in a thoughtfully built and eco-friendly vehicle that can serve you and your family for years.

Which has better EVs: Tesla or Mercedes-Benz?

The Mercedes-Benz lineup of electric vehicles is more extensive than the Tesla offerings, but both brands provide a fantastic selection of EV options. Take home the EQB SUV from Mercedes-Benz and enjoy seating for seven and up to an EPA-estimated 251-mile range,3 or choose a Tesla Model Y and gain lightning-fast supercharging speeds and dual-motor all-wheel drive.

Which is more expensive: Tesla or Mercedes-Benz?

Tesla and Mercedes-Benz pricing is quite comparable, with a wide range of MSRPs across their lineups. Because the Mercedes-Benz family of vehicles is more extensive, you'll likely find more options at your preferred price point when shopping our inventory, but Tesla pricing is also accessible, especially when coupled with our new vehicle specials! Visit Tom Wood Automotive Group today to learn more about new model savings.

Make an Inquiry

* Indicates a required field

1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov

2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org

3EPA estimated driving range with a fully charged battery. Driving range may vary based on model, terrain, temperature, driving style, optional equipment, use of vehicle features, and other factors.