If you're in the market for the best luxury car, chances are you're considering a Porsche or a Mercedes-Benz. Both brands offer solid performance and luxury across their lineups, but Porsche has the edge over Mercedes. Here's why a Porsche car is your best bet in the premium vehicle segment.
Performance
The name "Porsche" is synonymous with performance. The 2019 Macan SUV base model has a top track speed of 141 mph, thanks to its 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Upgrading to the Macan Turbo model gets you a meaty 2.9-liter twin turbo V6, good for 434 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono Package.
The 911 is easily the best-known Porsche model, and for good reason. The new 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera can zip from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds when properly equipped, and can reach 182 mph on the track. For the ultimate in performance, opt for the 540-horsepower 911 Turbo, which can go from 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds and has a top track speed of 198 mph.
Prestige
Both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are respected brands, but Porsche beats out Mercedes according to a January 2019 study by U.S. News & World Report. The publication ranked Porsche as the number one Luxury Brand of 2019, with an overall score of 8.81 out of 10 based on reliability ratings, safety scores, and hands-on reviews by top automotive journalists and critics.
Porsche has the edge over Mercedes-Benz largely thanks to the 911, which has been at the top of its class for decades and is considered the one to beat by its competitors. The fun-to-drive spirit of the 911 bleeds into other Porsche models, including the Macan and Cayenne SUVs. Porsche vehicles are known for their dependability and their unparalleled craftsmanship, and driving a Porsche has a certain air of prestige that Mercedes-Benz just can't compete with.
Vehicle Variety
From the speedy Porsche 911 to the family-friendly Macan, Porsche has a vehicle for every driver. When pitched against Mercedes-Benz, Porsche's vehicle lineup is clearly the winner.
The Macan SUV is ranked as the number one Most Reliable Luxury Car of 2019 by U.S. News & World Report, beating out the competing 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC by 12 places. The Macan scores better than the GLC where it counts: handling, cargo space, standard feature set, and overall comfort. Reviewers of the Macan love the fact that it is as comfortable on the track as it is off road, which is a rare find for a vehicle of this caliber.
When it comes to performance, prestige, and vehicle variety, there's no doubt that Porsche is the best choice for your next luxury vehicle. See the full lineup at Gossett Porsche in Memphis, Tennessee.
