What does 'Drive a BMW, Ride a Mercedes' mean?
2 Answers
Driving a BMW refers to its handling and power performance. BMW's power delivery emphasizes high RPM, combined with the low growl of the engine, giving it a more sporty feel. Riding a Mercedes refers to its comfort and safety features, including airbags, power steering, ABS, active suspension system, crumple zones, ceramic brakes, PRE-SAFE, adjustable lighting systems, and a host of electronic safety aids like ABS, ETS, and ESP. Here are some additional details: 1. The origin of 'Ride a Mercedes': The first official S-Class model from Mercedes was the 220 introduced in 1951. This model used a large amount of cushioning rubber in the chassis to filter out noise and vibrations, ensuring a comfortable ride. 2. In 1960, a model with air suspension was introduced. This system uses a camera at the front of the car to capture road conditions ahead, then calculates adjustments via the onboard computer to raise or lower the suspension, ensuring passenger comfort over rough roads. 3. Even in its mid-range and entry-level models, Mercedes does not compromise on comfort. For example, the C-Class uses a suspension system that combines elements of MacPherson struts and multi-link setups, offering better comfort than standard MacPherson struts, proving that comfort isn't sacrificed even with a tighter budget.
The saying 'Drive a BMW, ride in a Mercedes' is quite common in our society. It means that BMWs offer an exhilarating driving experience, full of fun and exceptional handling, giving you a sense of total control on the road. As for riding in a Mercedes, it's like sitting on a moving sofa—so comfortable it could lull you to sleep, especially in the spacious and well-insulated back seats. Together, these two brands represent people's aspirations for a wealthy lifestyle—owning luxury cars that deliver both driving pleasure and a dignified ride for passengers. Essentially, it's not just about driving or riding; it symbolizes a prosperous and high-status way of life. Many people use this phrase humorously to describe their own dreams or to compliment someone who's doing well. I think this saying is quite relatable, reflecting how deeply car culture is embedded in our lives and how it fuels ordinary people's dreams of such a lifestyle.
