Mercedes-Benz commands a significant price premium (40-60% higher) and offers unmatched luxury heritage, while Acura delivers superior reliability ratings (92 vs 88 J.D. Power score) and lower ownership costs as a more accessible Japanese luxury alternative.
Acura vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Japanese luxury brand known for reliability, performance, and accessible pricing
German luxury automaker known for performance, innovation, and cutting-edge technology across sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.
Average Starting Price. J.D. Power Reliability Score (2024). Average Warranty Coverage. Brand Heritage (Years Established). 5-Year Depreciation Rate. Average Annual Maintenance Cost. Engine Options Range
Choose Acura if you prioritize reliability, lower total cost of ownership, and value-for-money luxury without the premium price tag—ideal for buyers seeking dependable Japanese engineering with upscale styling. Choose Mercedes-Benz if prestige, technological innovation, wider engine lineup, and brand heritage are paramount, and you're willing to pay 40-60% more for luxury status and advanced features like MBUX infotainment and AMG performance options.
Acura: 272 hp (2.0T) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Acura: 355 hp (3.5L V6) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Acura: 10.2" | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3-inch MBUX
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: 3 years / 36,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Acura: 355 hp (3.5L turbo Type S) | Mercedes-Benz: 630 hp (AMG 63 E Performance)
Acura: 33 mpg (TLX 2.0T) | Mercedes-Benz: 28 mpg (C300 2.0L turbo)
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: $38,500 (TLX) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Acura: 26 combined (2.0T turbo) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Acura: 4yr/60k / 5yr/60k | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Acura: 2 (2.0T, 3.5L V6) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
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: 3.4 (AMG E63 S)
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: 603 (AMG E63 S)
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: 402 hp (M256 3.0L turbo)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3" (MBUX with AI)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.2 (AMG C63)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $49,500 (C-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Level 3 (Drive Pilot, limited markets)
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)
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 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: 402 hp (C43 AMG)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6s (C43 AMG)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5 models (EQE, EQS, EQG, EQE SUV, EQS SUV)
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)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4yr / 50,000 mi
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)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 (MBUX Digital)
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: 435 miles (EQS 580)
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)
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: 22 minutes (250 kW DC charging)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 170+ countries
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Estimated Resale Value Retention (3-Year)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50,000 miles
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 603 hp (E53 AMG)
Average Resale Value Retention (3 years)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $48,900 (C-Class)
Consumer Reports Overall Reliability Rating
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4MATIC standard on select models
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI and predictive navigation
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 15+ models across all powertrains
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50% EV sales target by 2030
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $68,500 (E-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 535 km (EQS 450+)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.35 million (2024)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C63)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 7.2 L/100km (C300 manual)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.8 sec (C300 2024)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (sedans, SUVs, AMG, EQ-series)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 260 (EQE 300)
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches OLED
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 28 MPG (C300 base)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 60+ variants
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 621 (AMG E63)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (1926)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 33 MPG (C 300)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 0.1s (9-speed automatic)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 17.5:1 (E-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 150ms (MBUX)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (E-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 35 dB (C-Class)
Transmission Failure Rate (10-year lifespan)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating 2024
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (avg mid-size sedan)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $16,380 repairs + maintenance
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 363 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 is more reliable, Acura or Mercedes-Benz?
Acura leads in reliability with a J.D. Power 2024 score of 92/100 versus Mercedes-Benz at 88/100. Acura vehicles historically experience fewer defects and require less frequent repairs. Mercedes compensates with longer warranty coverage (4 years/50k miles vs 3 years/36k), but Acura's lower maintenance costs ($550/year vs $890/year) reflect superior dependability.
How much more expensive is Mercedes-Benz than Acura?
Mercedes-Benz's starting MSRP is $47,600 compared to Acura's $38,900—a 22% price difference. When comparing equivalent models (e.g., Acura TLX vs Mercedes C-Class), Mercedes costs 40-60% more before options. Over 5 years, total ownership costs favor Acura by approximately $8,000-12,000 due to lower maintenance and better depreciation retention.
Which brand offers better performance and engine options?
Mercedes-Benz offers a significantly wider performance spectrum, ranging from efficient 1.5L eco engines (182 hp) to high-performance AMG 6.0L twins (630 hp). Acura's lineup peaks at 355 hp with its 3.5L turbo Type S. However, Acura's performance-per-dollar is superior; the TLX Type S delivers 355 hp with better fuel economy than comparable Mercedes AMG models.
Is the Mercedes warranty worth the premium price?
Mercedes offers a longer warranty (4 years/50k miles vs 3 years/36k), but Acura's superior reliability means fewer warranty claims are needed. Acura's lower maintenance costs ($550 vs $890 annually) offset the shorter warranty. For owners planning to keep vehicles beyond 5 years, Acura's reliability advantage becomes more valuable than Mercedes' extended initial warranty.
Acura retains 48% of its value after 5 years, while Mercedes retains only 42% (52% vs 58% depreciation). Despite Mercedes' premium brand status, Acura's lower initial cost and stronger reliability ratings result in better resale value retention. An Acura buyer loses approximately $18,700 over 5 years versus $27,608 for a comparable Mercedes C-Class.
How to Choose Between Acura and Mercedes-Benz
Average Starting Price: Acura has $38,900, while Mercedes-Benz has $47,600.
Consider: J.D. Power Reliability Score (2024)
J.D. Power Reliability Score (2024): Acura has 92/100, while Mercedes-Benz has 88/100.
Average Warranty Coverage: Acura has 3 years / 36,000 miles, while Mercedes-Benz has 4 years / 50,000 miles.
Consider: Brand Heritage (Years Established)
Brand Heritage (Years Established): Acura has 1986 (38 years), while Mercedes-Benz has 1926 (100 years).
5-Year Depreciation Rate: Acura has 52%, while Mercedes-Benz has 58%.
Consider: Average Annual Maintenance Cost
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: Acura has $550, while Mercedes-Benz has $890.
Engine Options Range: Acura has 2.0L-3.5L turbo (272-355 hp), while Mercedes-Benz has 1.5L-6.0L turbo (182-630 hp).