Mercedes-Benz leads in luxury positioning and resale value, commanding 8-12% higher prices for comparable models, while Audi excels in technology integration and offers better value with competitive performance at lower starting prices.
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 brand emphasizing refined comfort, cutting-edge technology, and prestige with C-Class and E-Class sedans.
Average Starting Price (Entry Luxury Sedan). 3-Year Resale Value Retention. Consumer Reports Reliability Rating. Standard Infotainment System Generation (2024-2025). Warranty Coverage (Basic/Powertrain). Annual Average Maintenance Cost. Global Brand Value (2024)
Mercedes-Benz is the better choice if luxury heritage, prestige, resale value, and cutting-edge AI-integrated technology justify premium pricing. Choose Audi if you prioritize value-for-money, excellent reliability ratings, advanced technology at lower costs, and lower ownership expenses while maintaining luxury credentials.
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: 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
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
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 401 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 has better resale value after 3 years?
Mercedes-Benz retains 64% of its original value after 3 years compared to Audi's 58%, a 6 percentage point advantage. This is primarily due to Mercedes-Benz's stronger brand prestige and heritage. On a $50,000 vehicle, this translates to roughly $3,000 more retained value with Mercedes-Benz.
Audi ranks above average in Consumer Reports' reliability ratings (2024-2025), while Mercedes-Benz ranks average. Audi owners report fewer unscheduled repairs and lower maintenance costs ($875/year vs $1,000/year). However, both brands are premium vehicles with higher repair costs than mainstream manufacturers when issues occur.
What's the actual price difference between comparable models?
Entry luxury sedans show an 8-12% price gap: Audi A4 starts at $42,500 while Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts at $48,900. Mid-range models show similar patterns—Audi A6 at $56,800 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class at $63,250. The price premium reflects Mercedes-Benz's stronger brand value and perceived prestige.
Which has better technology and infotainment systems?
Mercedes-Benz's MBUX system features AI integration with predictive capabilities and natural language processing, giving it an edge in cutting-edge AI tech. However, Audi's MMI 8 system is more intuitive with gesture controls and wireless smartphone integration, often rated easier to use. Choice depends on whether you prefer advanced AI features or user-friendly interface.
What are the total 5-year ownership costs compared?
For a $50,000 luxury sedan: Audi A4 costs approximately $62,500-$65,000 over 5 years (including depreciation, maintenance, insurance, fuel). Mercedes-Benz C-Class costs approximately $66,500-$70,000 due to higher depreciation offset partially by better resale value. Audi ownership is typically 5-8% cheaper overall despite similar fuel efficiency and insurance rates.
How to Choose Between Audi and Mercedes-Benz
Consider: Average Starting Price (Entry Luxury Sedan)
Average Starting Price (Entry Luxury Sedan): Audi has $42,500, while Mercedes-Benz has $48,900.
3-Year Resale Value Retention: Audi has 58%, while Mercedes-Benz has 64%.
Consider: Consumer Reports Reliability Rating
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating: Audi has Above Average, while Mercedes-Benz has Average.
Consider: Standard Infotainment System Generation (2024-2025)
Standard Infotainment System Generation (2024-2025): Audi has MMI 8 with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while Mercedes-Benz has MBUX with AI integration.
Consider: Warranty Coverage (Basic/Powertrain)
Warranty Coverage (Basic/Powertrain): Audi has 4yr/50k mi / 4yr/50k mi, while Mercedes-Benz has 4yr/50k mi / 4yr/50k mi.
Consider: Annual Average Maintenance Cost
Annual Average Maintenance Cost: Audi has $800-$950, while Mercedes-Benz has $900-$1,100.
Global Brand Value (2024): Audi has $15.2 billion, while Mercedes-Benz has $56.4 billion.