Mercedes-Benz leads in luxury prestige and engine performance with average 382 HP across models, while Audi excels in technology integration and achieves better fuel efficiency at 28 MPG average. Both are premium German manufacturers competing in overlapping market segments with different brand positioning.
Audi vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury automaker known for innovative technology and efficiency-focused vehicles.
German luxury manufacturer celebrated for pioneering automotive technology, refined interiors, and prestige brand heritage since 1886.
Average Horsepower (Core Models). Average EPA Combined Fuel Economy. Infotainment System Rating (J.D. Power). Brand Heritage (Years in Operation). Warranty Coverage (Standard). Average Starting Price (2024 Models). Customer Satisfaction Score (Consumer Reports)
Choose Mercedes-Benz if you prioritize raw performance, heritage prestige, and traditional luxury appeal with superior engine power. Choose Audi if you value cutting-edge technology integration, better fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing without sacrificing premium quality.
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: 4 years/50,000 miles basic | Mercedes-Benz: 4-year/50,000 mile standard
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: 4 years/50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Audi: 5.3 sec (A6 55 TFSI) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Audi: 10.1-12.3 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 (MBUX)
Audi: 10.1 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches
Audi: 32.8 inches | Mercedes-Benz: 36.2 inches
Audi: 118 years | Mercedes-Benz: 139 years
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: 4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14.4 inches (S-Class)
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: 827 (above industry avg)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (M256 3.0L turbo)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3-inch MBUX
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.2 (AMG C63)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Level 2/3 (Drive Pilot)
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa leather, wood, 64-color ambient lighting
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: 99 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: 150+ countries
Audi: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3yr/36k miles
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)
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 216 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.
Which brand is more reliable, Audi or Mercedes-Benz?
Both brands score similarly on reliability. According to Consumer Reports 2024 data, Audi scores 81/100 vs Mercedes-Benz at 79/100 for overall satisfaction. However, Mercedes-Benz historically has stronger resale value (65-70% retention after 5 years) compared to Audi (60-65%), suggesting better long-term durability perception among buyers.
Which luxury brand has better technology features?
Audi leads in infotainment integration with its MMI system rated 8.2/10 by J.D. Power, plus standard wireless smartphone integration and over-the-air software updates on 2023+ models. Mercedes-Benz MBUX scores 7.8/10 but offers superior natural language voice control and larger 11.9-inch displays, though requiring dealer visits for updates.
How much more expensive is Mercedes-Benz than Audi?
Mercedes-Benz commands a 6-12% price premium over Audi in comparable segments. The 2024 A4 starts at $42,900 vs C-Class at $45,400 (5.8% higher), and Q5 at $48,900 vs GLC at $51,200 (4.7% higher). This gap widens in luxury segments where Mercedes-Benz heritage justifies premium positioning.
Which brand offers better performance and acceleration?
Mercedes-Benz delivers superior performance with average 382 HP across core models vs Audi's 347 HP (10% power advantage). The Mercedes-AMG C63 produces 402 HP with 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, while Audi S4 achieves 349 HP and 4.4-second 0-60, making Mercedes the performance leader in direct comparisons.
What is the total cost of ownership difference over 5 years?
Audi's lower fuel consumption (28 vs 24 MPG) saves approximately $2,800-$3,200 in fuel costs over 5 years assuming 15,000 annual miles and $3.50/gallon gas. However, Mercedes-Benz's higher resale value (67% vs 62% retention) recovers $3,500-$4,200 more on a $45,000 purchase, offsetting fuel savings and resulting in comparable total 5-year costs (within 1-2%).
How to Choose Between Audi and Mercedes-Benz
Consider: Average Horsepower (Core Models)
Average Horsepower (Core Models): Audi has 347 HP, while Mercedes-Benz has 382 HP.
Consider: Average EPA Combined Fuel Economy
Average EPA Combined Fuel Economy: Audi has 28 MPG, while Mercedes-Benz has 24 MPG.
Consider: Infotainment System Rating (J.D. Power)
Infotainment System Rating (J.D. Power): Audi has 8.2/10, while Mercedes-Benz has 7.8/10.
Consider: Brand Heritage (Years in Operation)
Brand Heritage (Years in Operation): Audi has 118 years (1906), while Mercedes-Benz has 139 years (1886).
Warranty Coverage (Standard): Audi has 4 years/50,000 miles, while Mercedes-Benz has 4 years/50,000 miles.
Consider: Average Starting Price (2024 Models)
Average Starting Price (2024 Models): Audi has $42,500, while Mercedes-Benz has $45,200.
Consider: Customer Satisfaction Score (Consumer Reports)
Customer Satisfaction Score (Consumer Reports): Audi has 81/100, while Mercedes-Benz has 79/100.