Mercedes-Benz leads in luxury positioning and performance with higher average prices ($85,000-$120,000), while Audi offers better value with competitive technology at lower starting points ($40,000-$95,000). Mercedes emphasizes craftsmanship and heritage, whereas Audi focuses on innovation and interior design.
Mercedes-Benz vs Audi — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
German luxury automotive leader with premium positioning, advanced technology, and global prestige.
German luxury brand under Volkswagen Group offering technology-forward vehicles with excellent value.
Average Price Range. Brand Heritage. Global Sales (2024). Electric Vehicle Range (top model). Interior Technology. Warranty Coverage. Consumer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2024)
Choose Mercedes-Benz if you prioritize heritage, prestige, and superior EV range, plus desire the most recognizable luxury brand globally. Choose Audi if you want competitive luxury features at lower price points, excellent interior design, and prefer value-driven performance with strong reliability ratings.
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: MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art | Audi: MMI with AI voice control
Mercedes-Benz: Comfort-oriented refinement | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: EQS 400/550 4MATIC models | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: Ultra-premium throughout | Audi: Premium leather, ambient lighting
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: 4yr/50k mi | Audi: 4 years/50,000 miles basic
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: Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 3.2 (AMG C63) | 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 | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 8 models | Audi: 6 models
Mercedes-Benz: 138 years (est. 1886) | Audi: 127 years (est. 1899)
Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50k miles | Audi: 4 years/50k miles
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
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) | Audi: N/A
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
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) | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 4/50,000 | Audi: 4 years/50,000 miles
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
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: 150+ countries | 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) | Audi: N/A
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-3)
Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles | Audi: 4 years/50,000 miles
Interior Material Standard (Leather Type)
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) | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches | Audi: 10.1 inches
Mercedes-Benz: 36.2 inches | Audi: 32.8 inches
Mercedes-Benz: 139 years | Audi: 118 years
Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 (MBUX Digital) | Audi: 10.1-12.3 inches
Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan Base Model)
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: 345 mi (EQS 580) | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 81 (Above Average) | 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) | Audi: N/A
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Model)
Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG C63) | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 260 miles (EQE 53 AMG) | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: $47,900 (C-Class) | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 400,000 (public network partnerships) | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 47 models across all powertrains | 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: 15+ models across all powertrains | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 50% EV sales target by 2030 | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 535 km (EQS 450+) | Audi: 487 km (e-tron GT)
Mercedes-Benz: 2.35 million (2024) | Audi: 1.98 million (2024)
Mercedes-Benz: 12.3-inch MBUX | Audi: 12.3-inch MMI (top models)
Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C63) | Audi: 592 HP (RS 6 Avant)
Mercedes-Benz: 7.2 L/100km (C300 manual) | Audi: 7.0 L/100km (A4 40 TFSI)
Mercedes-Benz: 825 points | Audi: 828 points
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) | Audi: N/A
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches OLED | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: 28 MPG (C300 base) | Audi: N/A
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Audi: Q3: 3,800 lbs
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Audi: RS models: 3.6 seconds
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Audi: Q4 e-tron: 105 MPGe estimated
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | 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: 591 hp (RS6 Avant)
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Audi: ~40% of lineup
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
Mercedes-Benz: N/A | Audi: 5.3 sec (A6 55 TFSI)
How to choose between Mercedes-Benz and Audi
Mercedes-Benz vs Audi — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Mercedes-Benz vs Audi. Contains 305 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Mercedes-Benz vs Audi — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Mercedes-Benz vs Audi.
Which brand holds its value better, Mercedes or Audi?
Mercedes-Benz typically depreciates 45-50% over 5 years, while Audi averages 38-42% depreciation. However, Audi models often retain better relative value due to lower starting prices. A $40,000 Audi retaining 62% ($24,800) outpaces a $85,000 Mercedes retaining 52.5% ($44,625) in absolute dollars, but Mercedes retains stronger percentage value. The winner depends on your purchase price point.
Both brands score similarly in reliability. Audi achieved 828/1000 in J.D. Power 2024 customer satisfaction vs Mercedes at 825/1000. Long-term reliability studies show Audi at 92% owner satisfaction after 3 years vs Mercedes at 89%. Audi's advantage stems from Volkswagen Group's engineering efficiency, while Mercedes' slight disadvantage reflects complexity of their performance engines. Maintenance costs favor Audi by approximately 15-20%.
Mercedes-Benz leads EV range with the EQS offering 535 km vs Audi's e-tron GT at 487 km. However, Audi's e-tron lineup provides more entry-level EV options ($55,000+), while Mercedes focuses on premium segments. Mercedes uses superior battery thermal management, while Audi emphasizes charging speed (10-80% in 22 minutes for e-tron GT). Mercedes wins on range; Audi wins on value-oriented EV accessibility.
What is the typical cost difference between Mercedes and Audi?
Entry-level models differ by approximately $3,350 (Mercedes C-Class at $43,550 vs Audi A4 at $40,200). Mid-range luxury models show $5,700 difference (E-Class $68,500 vs A6 $62,800). High-performance variants narrow the gap—AMG C63 at $102,000 vs RS 6 Avant at $104,900 are nearly equivalent. Overall, Audi averages $8,000-$15,000 less for comparable feature sets across most segments.
Mercedes-Benz holds stronger prestige globally due to 140+ years of heritage as the world's oldest automaker and stronger brand recognition (85% vs Audi's 72% unaided awareness in luxury surveys). However, Audi has gained prestige in tech-forward markets, particularly among younger buyers aged 25-40. Mercedes dominates traditional luxury perception; Audi appeals to performance and innovation-focused buyers. Prestige remains subjective and market-dependent.
How to Choose Between Mercedes-Benz and Audi
Average Price Range: Mercedes-Benz has $85,000 - $120,000, while Audi has $40,000 - $95,000.
Brand Heritage: Mercedes-Benz has Founded 1886, oldest auto manufacturer, while Audi has Founded 1909, part of Volkswagen Group since 1966.
Global Sales (2024): Mercedes-Benz has 2.35 million vehicles, while Audi has 1.98 million vehicles.
Consider: Electric Vehicle Range (top model)
Electric Vehicle Range (top model): Mercedes-Benz has EQS: 535 km (333 miles), while Audi has e-tron GT: 487 km (303 miles).
Interior Technology: Mercedes-Benz has MBUX with 12.3-inch touchscreen, while Audi has MMI with 10.1-12.3-inch touchscreen.
Warranty Coverage: Mercedes-Benz has 3 years/100,000 km, while Audi has 3 years/100,000 km.
Consider: Consumer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2024)
Consumer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2024): Mercedes-Benz has 825 points, while Audi has 828 points.