Mercedes-Benz is a luxury brand with higher average pricing ($65K-$180K) and broader global prestige, while Acura offers better value-for-performance as Honda's luxury division with sportier handling and lower maintenance costs ($500-$800 annually vs $1,200-$1,800 for Mercedes).
Acura vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Honda's luxury division offering performance-oriented vehicles with strong reliability and value.
German luxury automotive manufacturer offering sedans, SUVs, and coupes since 1886
Average Starting Price. Annual Maintenance Cost. Brand Heritage. Global Market Presence. Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power). Performance Focus. Resale Value Retention (3 years)
Choose Acura if you prioritize affordability, lower ownership costs, reliability, and engaging driving dynamics—ideal for budget-conscious luxury buyers. Choose Mercedes-Benz if you value global prestige, advanced technology, heritage craftsmanship, and are willing to pay premium prices for the iconic three-pointed star.
Acura: 272 hp (2.0T) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Acura: 355 hp (3.5L V6) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Acura: Yes (Type S models) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Acura: 290-530 hp | Mercedes-Benz: 255-621 hp
Acura: 25 MPG combined | Mercedes-Benz: 23 MPG combined
Acura: 10.5 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 7.0 inches
Acura: 40 years (founded 1986) | Mercedes-Benz: 125 years (founded 1901)
Acura: $38,900 (2024 Acura ILX) | Mercedes-Benz: $65,000 (2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class)
Acura: 40 years (Founded 1986) | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (Founded 1926)
Acura: 45+ countries (concentrated Asia/Americas) | Mercedes-Benz: 150+ countries
Acura: 28 MPG (2024 ILX base) | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG (2024 C-Class base)
Acura: 8 core models | Mercedes-Benz: 35+ variants
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.49 Million
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: New S-Class with enhanced tech
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Software-defined
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: GLC turbocharged refined
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Comfort-oriented refinement
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: EQS 400/550 4MATIC models
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Ultra-premium throughout
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years standard
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14+ models with EQS expansion
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14.4 inches (S-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG combined (C-Class estimated)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (GLE 350 base)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L turbocharged)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu.ft. (C-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Premium luxury pricing baseline
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3,580 lbs (C-Class est.)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Varies (not standard)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50+ models globally
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 827 (above industry avg)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (M256 3.0L turbo)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.2 (AMG C63)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Level 3 (Drive Pilot, limited markets)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Hand-stitched leather, wood, premium textiles
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 1,400+ dealerships
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 138 years (est. 1886)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50k miles
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.6s (C63 AMG)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (C300)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12 (C, E, S-Class, CLA, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, EQE, EQS, EQC)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,800 (C-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX Hyperscreen (9.5/10)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Optional (4MATIC)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: EQE, EQS, EQC (strong)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG GT 63 S)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 456 miles (EQS 580)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.0 (Average)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 9-speed automatic
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $1,680 (mid-size luxury)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 149 mph (C-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 312 miles (EQS 450+)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50k miles
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (C-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 99 years (founded 1926)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 6+ EV models across segments
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 42% depreciation
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 40,000+ (Drive Pilot)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L Turbo)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.9 sec (AMG GT)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5+ (EQE, EQS, EQE SUV, EQC, EQA)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,000 (C-Class base, 2024)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with ChatGPT integration (2024+)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $108,000 (S-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580e)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3yr/36k miles
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.3 (C63 AMG)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 of 11 lineup
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 9 models (4 hybrid + 5 EV)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 27 (GLE 450)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $45,650 (C 300)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $65,900 (GLE 350)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C 63)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580 4MATIC)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-3)
Interior Material Standard (Leather Type)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa (standard on most trims)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 8 EV models (EQE, EQS, EQC, EQA, EQE SUV, EQS SUV, EQG coming)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $43,250 (C-Class, 2024)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (Compact, Sedan, SUV, Coupe, Cabriolet, AMG Performance, Maybach Ultra-Luxury, EV lines)
Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan Base Model)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Hand-stitched Nappa leather, ambient lighting
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI (9.1/10 - highest rated)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 345 mi (EQS 580)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 81 (Above Average)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.8 seconds (AMG E63 S)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 186 mph (AMG E63 S)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 21 mpg (E350)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11 (C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLA, GLC, GLE, GLA, C63 AMG, EQC, Maybach, SL)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.8 (E-Class 2024-2025)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Model)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG C63)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 260 miles (EQE 53 AMG)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $47,900 (C-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 400,000 (public network partnerships)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 47 models across all powertrains
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 22 minutes (250 kW DC charging)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 170+ countries
How to choose between Acura and Mercedes-Benz
Acura vs Mercedes-Benz — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Acura vs Mercedes-Benz. Contains 259 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Acura vs Mercedes-Benz — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Acura vs Mercedes-Benz.
Which brand has better reliability and lower maintenance costs?
Acura wins decisively on both fronts. Acura's J.D. Power reliability score is 85/100 vs Mercedes-Benz's 78/100. Annual maintenance costs for Acura average $550-$800, while Mercedes-Benz owners typically spend $1,200-$1,800 annually due to premium parts and labor costs. This translates to $3,000-$4,800 in savings over a 5-year ownership period with Acura.
Is Mercedes-Benz worth the higher price?
It depends on priorities. Mercedes-Benz justifies its premium through 100 years of heritage, superior technology (MBUX AI integration), broader global prestige, and better three-year resale retention (62% vs 58%). However, Acura delivers 95% of the luxury experience at 40% lower cost, making it better value unless brand prestige is paramount.
Which brand is better for sports driving and handling?
Acura is engineered with sportier dynamics—its models feature precise steering, responsive suspension tuning, and stronger performance focus inherited from Honda's racing heritage. Mercedes-Benz prioritizes refined, cushioned comfort over pure driving engagement. For enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving, Acura's sport-luxury approach is superior; Mercedes excels for those prioritizing effortless cruising.
Acura offers a solid warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic coverage, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain. Mercedes-Benz typically provides 4 years/50,000 miles basic, 8 years/100,000 miles powertrain (model dependent). Mercedes' powertrain coverage is longer, but both are competitive. Acura's advantage comes from lower parts costs if repairs extend beyond warranty.
Mercedes-Benz retains slightly more value: 62% after 3 years vs Acura's 58%. However, this 4-percentage-point difference ($2,600 on a $65K purchase) is offset by Acura's lower purchase price ($38,900 entry vs $65,000). On a comparable $55K midrange vehicle, both perform similarly. Acura's cost advantage makes it the smarter financial choice overall.
How to Choose Between Acura and Mercedes-Benz
Average Starting Price: Acura has $38,900, while Mercedes-Benz has $65,000.
Annual Maintenance Cost: Acura has $550-$800, while Mercedes-Benz has $1,200-$1,800.
Brand Heritage: Acura has Founded 1986 (40 years), while Mercedes-Benz has Founded 1926 (100 years).
Global Market Presence: Acura has Primary focus: North America and Asia, while Mercedes-Benz has 150+ countries worldwide.
Consider: Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power)
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power): Acura has 85/100, while Mercedes-Benz has 78/100.
Performance Focus: Acura has Sport-luxury with precise handling, while Mercedes-Benz has Luxury-sport with refined comfort.
Consider: Resale Value Retention (3 years)
Resale Value Retention (3 years): Acura has 58%, while Mercedes-Benz has 62%.