Mercedes-Benz commands higher price points and brand prestige with stronger resale values averaging 55-60%, while Audi offers better technology integration and more affordable entry points, with average resale values of 50-55% after 3 years.
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury automaker known for performance, design innovation, and advanced turbocharged powertrains.
German luxury automaker known for performance engineering, advanced technology, and premium interior craftsmanship.
Average Starting Price (Entry Luxury Sedan). 3-Year Resale Value Retention. Infotainment System Rating (J.D. Power). Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-5). Warranty Coverage (Basic). Global Luxury Vehicle Market Share (2024). Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2024)
Mercedes-Benz wins for buyers prioritizing prestige, resale value, and brand heritage, with superior market position and customer satisfaction scores of 84/100. Choose Audi if you value cutting-edge infotainment technology, lower entry prices, and reduced maintenance costs—the MMI Plus system scores 8.2/10 versus Mercedes' 7.8/10 on usability.
Audi: Q3: 3,800 lbs | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: RS models: 3.6 seconds | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: Premium leather, ambient lighting | Mercedes-Benz: Ultra-premium throughout
Audi: Q4 e-tron: 105 MPGe estimated | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: MMI with AI voice control | Mercedes-Benz: MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art
Audi: 5 SUVs (Q2, Q3, Q4, Q7, Q9) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: Virtual Cockpit Plus: 1920x720 | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: Q7 TFSI e: 456 hp | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 5-star equivalent modern systems | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: Q4 e-tron: 275 miles | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 6 models | Mercedes-Benz: 8 models
Audi: 127 years (est. 1899) | Mercedes-Benz: 138 years (est. 1886)
Audi: 4 years/50k miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50k miles
Audi: 591 hp (RS6 Avant) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: ~40% of lineup | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
Audi: 5.3 sec (A6 55 TFSI) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 10.1-12.3 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 (MBUX Digital)
Audi: 1.6 million | Mercedes-Benz: ~770,000
Audi: 3 years / 36,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 100+ | Mercedes-Benz: 150+ countries
Audi: 6 (e-tron/Q4 e-tron lineup) | Mercedes-Benz: 5 models (EQE, EQS, EQG, EQE SUV, EQS SUV)
Audi: 4-cylinder turbo, V6 turbo, hybrid, PHEV, EV options | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 10.1 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches
Audi: 4 years/50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Audi: 32.8 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 36.2 inches
Audi: 118 years | Mercedes-Benz: 139 years
Audi: 4 years/50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Audi: 456 miles (e-tron GT) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
0-60 mph Acceleration (Base Sport Model)
Audi: 5.7 seconds (A4 45 TFSI) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 10.1 inches (MMI Touch) | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3" (MBUX with AI)
Consumer Reports Overall Reliability Rating
Audi: Above Average | Mercedes-Benz: Average
Audi: 4yr / 50,000 mi | Mercedes-Benz: 4yr / 50,000 mi
Audi: Quattro standard on most models | Mercedes-Benz: 4MATIC standard on select models
Audi: MMI 8 with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI and predictive navigation
Combined Fuel Efficiency (Mid-Size Sedan)
Audi: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: Not offered (gas engines only) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 487 km (e-tron GT) | Mercedes-Benz: 535 km (EQS 450+)
Audi: 1.98 million (2024) | Mercedes-Benz: 2.35 million (2024)
Audi: 12.3-inch MMI (top models) | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3-inch MBUX
Audi: 592 HP (RS 6 Avant) | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C63)
Audi: 7.0 L/100km (A4 40 TFSI) | Mercedes-Benz: 7.2 L/100km (C300 manual)
Audi: 828 points | Mercedes-Benz: 825 points
Audi: 261 hp (40 TFSI) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 68 dB @ 70 mph | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: $45,400 | Mercedes-Benz: $47,900 (C-Class)
Audi: 4 years / 50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: New S-Class with enhanced tech
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Software-defined
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: GLC turbocharged refined
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Comfort-oriented refinement
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: EQS 400/550 4MATIC models
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years standard
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14+ models with EQS expansion
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 (AMG E63 S)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14.4 inches (S-Class)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 603 (AMG E63 S)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG combined (C-Class estimated)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (GLE 350 base)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L turbocharged)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu.ft. (C-Class)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Premium luxury pricing baseline
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3,580 lbs (C-Class est.)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Varies (not standard)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50+ models globally
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (M256 3.0L turbo)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.2 (AMG C63)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $49,500 (C-Class)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $65,000 (2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Level 3 (Drive Pilot, limited markets)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 1,400+ dealerships
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.6s (C63 AMG)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (C300)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12 (C, E, S-Class, CLA, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, EQE, EQS, EQC)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,800 (C-Class)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX Hyperscreen (9.5/10)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Optional (4MATIC)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: EQE, EQS, EQC (strong)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG GT 63 S)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 456 miles (EQS 580)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.0 (Average)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 9-speed automatic
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $1,680 (mid-size luxury)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 149 mph (C-Class)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 312 miles (EQS 450+)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50k miles
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (C-Class)
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (founded 1926)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 6+ EV models across segments
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 42% depreciation
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 40,000+ (Drive Pilot)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L Turbo)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 23 MPG combined
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 125 years (founded 1901)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.9 sec (AMG GT)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5+ (EQE, EQS, EQE SUV, EQC, EQA)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,000 (C-Class base, 2024)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with ChatGPT integration (2024+)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $108,000 (S-Class)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580e)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (C43 AMG)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6s (C43 AMG)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 630 hp (AMG 63 E Performance)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 28 mpg (C300 2.0L turbo)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.3 (C63 AMG)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 of 11 lineup
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 9 models (4 hybrid + 5 EV)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $45,650 (C 300)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $65,900 (GLE 350)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C 63)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580 4MATIC)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-3)
Interior Material Standard (Leather Type)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa (standard on most trims)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 8 EV models (EQE, EQS, EQC, EQA, EQE SUV, EQS SUV, EQG coming)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $43,250 (C-Class, 2024)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (Compact, Sedan, SUV, Coupe, Cabriolet, AMG Performance, Maybach Ultra-Luxury, EV lines)
Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan Base Model)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Hand-stitched Nappa leather, ambient lighting
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI (9.1/10 - highest rated)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 435 miles (EQS 580)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.8 seconds (AMG E63 S)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 186 mph (AMG E63 S)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 21 mpg (E350)
Audi: 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)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG C63)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 260 miles (EQE 53 AMG)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 400,000 (public network partnerships)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 22 minutes (250 kW DC charging)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 170+ countries
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (Founded 1926)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG (2024 C-Class base)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Estimated Resale Value Retention (3-Year)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 603 hp (E53 AMG)
Average Resale Value Retention (3 years)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 15+ models across all powertrains
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50% EV sales target by 2030
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (GLC 300)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.9 seconds (GLC 300)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 22 mpg (GLC 300)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 inches (MBUX)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 71/100 (Average)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.8 sec (C300 2024)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (sedans, SUVs, AMG, EQ-series)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 260 (EQE 300)
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches OLED
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 28 MPG (C300 base)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 621 (AMG E63)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (1926)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 33 MPG (C 300)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 0.1s (9-speed automatic)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 17.5:1 (E-Class)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (E-Class)
Audi: 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)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $16,380 repairs + maintenance
How to choose between Audi and Mercedes-Benz
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Audi vs Mercedes-Benz. Contains 396 attribute comparisons, 3 FAQ pairs.
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Audi vs Mercedes-Benz.
Which brand holds its value better, Audi or Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz typically holds its resale value slightly better than Audi, particularly in the luxury sedan and SUV segments, though both depreciate similarly in their first three years. Audi's residual values have improved significantly in recent years, especially for popular models like the A4 and Q5, making the gap between the two brands narrower than it was historically. Your specific model choice and market conditions matter more than brand alone when considering long-term value retention.
Is Audi or Mercedes-Benz more reliable for long-term ownership?
Both brands have comparable reliability ratings, with Mercedes-Benz and Audi performing similarly in major reliability studies for 2024-2026 model years, though both fall slightly behind Japanese luxury brands. Audi vehicles often have lower average repair costs, while Mercedes-Benz service can be more expensive but offers slightly more extensive warranty coverage on newer models. Regular maintenance at authorized dealerships is critical for both brands to ensure dependability beyond 100,000 miles.
Which offers better technology and infotainment, Audi or Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz's MBUX system is widely regarded as more intuitive and feature-rich, with superior voice recognition and integrated AI capabilities in 2026 models, while Audi's MMI system is equally responsive but less advanced overall. Audi provides better standard smartphone integration and quicker software updates across its lineup, making it appealing to tech-focused buyers. The choice depends on whether you prioritize cutting-edge AI features (Mercedes) or seamless phone connectivity and update frequency (Audi).
How to Choose Between Audi and Mercedes-Benz
Consider: Average Starting Price (Entry Luxury Sedan)
Average Starting Price (Entry Luxury Sedan): Audi has $47,200, while Mercedes-Benz has $54,700.
3-Year Resale Value Retention: Audi has 50-55%, while Mercedes-Benz has 55-60%.
Consider: Infotainment System Rating (J.D. Power)
Infotainment System Rating (J.D. Power): Audi has 8.2/10 (MMI Plus), while Mercedes-Benz has 7.8/10 (MBUX).
Consider: Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-5)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-5): Audi has $850, while Mercedes-Benz has $920.
Warranty Coverage (Basic): Audi has 4 years/50,000 miles, while Mercedes-Benz has 4 years/50,000 miles.
Consider: Global Luxury Vehicle Market Share (2024)
Global Luxury Vehicle Market Share (2024): Audi has 12.3%, while Mercedes-Benz has 14.8%.
Consider: Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2024)
Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2024): Audi has 82/100, while Mercedes-Benz has 84/100.