Mercedes-Benz leads in luxury prestige and resale value (55-60% retention after 5 years), while Audi excels in technology innovation and value-for-money, with comparable performance but lower starting prices by 8-12% across equivalent segments.
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury automaker known for innovative technology and refined design with emphasis on practicality.
German luxury automaker emphasizing advanced technology, performance, and premium brand prestige.
5-Year Resale Value Retention. Average Starting Price (Entry Luxury). Infotainment System Rating. Brand Heritage (Years). Average Reliability Score (J.D. Power 2025). EV Model Availability. 0-60 mph Average (Sport Models)
Choose Mercedes-Benz if prestige, brand heritage, and strong resale value are priorities—it's the luxury choice for those seeking traditional German engineering excellence and status. Choose Audi if you prioritize cutting-edge technology, value-for-money, and reliability, plus desire sophisticated infotainment and performance at a lower entry price point.
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
0-60 mph Acceleration (Sedan Comparison)
Audi: 6.8 sec (A4 2.0T) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 28 MPG combined | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 10.1" MMI | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 inches
Audi: Standard on most trims | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: $550-650 annual | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
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: 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: 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: 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: 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
Starting Price (2026 3-Series vs C-Class)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 26 (C-Class Turbo)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 (AMG C43)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 10 years / 100,000
Flagship Model Price (911 Turbo S / S-Class 580)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.6 (AMG C63)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 180 (S-Class 580)
Infotainment System Display Size (Standard)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 (MBUX Hyperscreen)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 6.5 seconds (GLE 450)
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 420 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Audi vs Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz retains 55-62% of its value after 5 years, significantly outperforming Audi's 48-52% retention. This is due to stronger brand prestige perception and higher demand in the used luxury market. However, Audi's lower initial purchase price can offset this difference in total cost of ownership.
Which brand has better technology and infotainment?
Audi's MMI system scores 9.2/10 for user satisfaction and intuitive interface design, edging out Mercedes' MBUX (8.8/10). However, Mercedes' MBUX features more advanced AI capabilities with natural language voice control. For tech prioritization, Audi wins on usability; Mercedes wins on innovation.
Audi rates higher on reliability with a J.D. Power 2025 score of 82/100 compared to Mercedes' 79/100. Audi's Volkswagen Group engineering and simpler software architecture contribute to fewer reported issues, while Mercedes' complex MBUX systems occasionally require updates.
How much more expensive is Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz entry-level models cost 8-12% more than Audi equivalents ($46,800 vs $42,500 for base luxury models). However, Mercedes commands this premium due to brand heritage, stronger resale values, and higher perceived prestige in the luxury market.
Which brand is better for electric vehicles?
Mercedes-Benz offers 8 dedicated EV models (EQC, EQE, EQS, EQG, etc.) versus Audi's 6 (e-tron, Q4 e-tron, e-tron GT, etc.). Mercedes has more aggressive electrification and wider EV platform variety, but Audi's e-tron models score higher on efficiency ratings. Choose Mercedes for EV selection; Audi for EV efficiency.
How to Choose Between Audi and Mercedes-Benz
5-Year Resale Value Retention: Audi has 48-52%, while Mercedes-Benz has 55-62%.
Consider: Average Starting Price (Entry Luxury)
Average Starting Price (Entry Luxury): Audi has $42,500, while Mercedes-Benz has $46,800.
Infotainment System Rating: Audi has MMI (9.2/10 user satisfaction), while Mercedes-Benz has MBUX (8.8/10 user satisfaction).
Brand Heritage (Years): Audi has 127 years (founded 1899), while Mercedes-Benz has 138 years (founded 1886).
Consider: Average Reliability Score (J.D. Power 2025)
Average Reliability Score (J.D. Power 2025): Audi has 82/100, while Mercedes-Benz has 79/100.
EV Model Availability: Audi has 6 full EV models, while Mercedes-Benz has 8 full EV models.
Consider: 0-60 mph Average (Sport Models)
0-60 mph Average (Sport Models): Audi has 3.8 seconds, while Mercedes-Benz has 3.5 seconds.