Mercedes-Benz commands a significant price premium ($45,000-$150,000+ range) and offers greater luxury heritage and performance variants, while Acura delivers better value with competitive tech, reliability, and lower maintenance costs ($28,000-$65,000 range). Mercedes appeals to buyers prioritizing brand prestige and advanced performance, while Acura targets those seeking luxury features without the steep price tag.
Acura vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Honda's premium luxury brand offering affordable upscale vehicles with strong reliability and value.
German luxury automaker renowned for advanced technology, performance, and engineering innovation.
Price Range (Starting MSRP). Annual Maintenance Cost (Average). Engine Options - Max Horsepower. Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024). 0-60 Acceleration (MDX Type S vs C63 AMG). Infotainment System Complexity. Owner Satisfaction (Consumer Reports 2024)
Choose Acura if you want a luxury vehicle with proven reliability, lower ownership costs, intuitive technology, and excellent value retention without sacrificing comfort or features. Choose Mercedes-Benz if you prioritize performance capabilities, cutting-edge tech innovation, iconic brand heritage, and are willing to invest in higher maintenance costs for the prestige and engineering excellence.
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: 5.8s (MDX Type S) | Mercedes-Benz: 3.9s (C63 AMG)
Acura: 10.2 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 inches dual
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: 4 years / 50,000 miles
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: Varies (not standard)
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: $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: 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: Mercedes-AMG C63: 3.6s
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: C300: 23 mpg combined
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: C-Class Sedan: 12.6 cu ft
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: EQE: 350 miles
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: 11.9 inches (MBUX standard)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Smooth, comfort-focused
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: 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: 48 months/50,000 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)
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: ~3,500 dealerships
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: 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: 255 hp (GLC 300)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.9 seconds (GLC 300)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 22 mpg (GLC 300)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 inches (MBUX)
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
Starting Price (2026 3-Series vs C-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 26 (C-Class Turbo)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 (AMG C43)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 10 years / 100,000
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 75 (Average)
Flagship Model Price (911 Turbo S / S-Class 580)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.6 (AMG C63)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 180 (S-Class 580)
Infotainment System Display Size (Standard)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 (MBUX Hyperscreen)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 6.5 seconds (GLE 450)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 380ms (MBUX)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3-4 years / 50,000-60,000 miles
Customer Satisfaction (Net Promoter Score)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $50,000-$75,000 (C-Class/E-Class)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ dedicated models
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9-12.3 inches
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 200+ countries
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $3,800 (gasoline)
Base Model Starting Price (C-Class/A4 Segment)
Acura: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 8+ (EQE, EQS, EQG, etc.)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-5)
Reported Problems per 100 Vehicles (Year 1)
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (Maintenance + Repairs)
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 435 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.
Is Acura significantly cheaper than Mercedes-Benz?
Yes. The Acura RDX starts at $28,900 versus the Mercedes C-Class at $45,250 - a $16,350 difference (38% cheaper). Over a 5-year ownership period, including maintenance ($3,750-$4,250 vs $6,000-$9,000), Acura ownership costs approximately $12,000-$15,000 less total.
Acura has a slight reliability advantage with a J.D. Power 2024 rating of 83/100 compared to Mercedes-Benz's 81/100. Acura owners report fewer electrical issues and drivetrain problems. However, both are considered reliable in the luxury segment, with Mercedes offering superior warranty coverage (4-year/50,000-mile vs Acura's 3-year/36,000-mile).
Mercedes-Benz's AMG variants significantly outperform Acura models. The C63 AMG delivers 503 hp with 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, while the MDX Type S maxes out at 425 hp with 5.8-second 0-60 time. For everyday driving, both brands perform adequately; Mercedes excels for enthusiasts seeking supercar-level performance.
Which infotainment system is easier to use?
Acura's AcuraWatch Plus system is widely praised for intuitive menu navigation and simpler controls. Mercedes' MBUX dual-screen system offers more advanced features (voice AI, dual screens) but has a steeper learning curve, with many users requiring 3-4 weeks to master all functions versus 1-2 weeks for Acura.
Both brands hold luxury vehicle values reasonably well, but data shows Acura averages 55-60% residual value after 5 years while Mercedes averages 52-58%. Acura's lower depreciation is partly due to lower initial purchase price. In absolute dollar terms, both lose similar amounts, making this category roughly equivalent.
How to Choose Between Acura and Mercedes-Benz
Price Range (Starting MSRP): Acura has $28,900 (RDX), while Mercedes-Benz has $45,250 (C-Class).
Consider: Annual Maintenance Cost (Average)
Annual Maintenance Cost (Average): Acura has $650-$850, while Mercedes-Benz has $1,200-$1,800.
Consider: Engine Options - Max Horsepower
Engine Options - Max Horsepower: Acura has 425 hp (MDX Type S), while Mercedes-Benz has 503 hp (AMG C63).
Consider: Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024): Acura has 83/100 (Above Average), while Mercedes-Benz has 81/100 (Average).
Consider: 0-60 Acceleration (MDX Type S vs C63 AMG)
0-60 Acceleration (MDX Type S vs C63 AMG): Acura has 5.8 seconds, while Mercedes-Benz has 3.9 seconds.
Consider: Infotainment System Complexity
Infotainment System Complexity: Acura has AcuraWatch Plus - Intuitive touchscreen, while Mercedes-Benz has MBUX - Dual 12.3" screens, voice control.
Consider: Owner Satisfaction (Consumer Reports 2024)
Owner Satisfaction (Consumer Reports 2024): Acura has 78% Very Satisfied, while Mercedes-Benz has 74% Very Satisfied.