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
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.
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)
Standard Infotainment System Generation (2024-2025)
Structured comparison data for Audi vs Mercedes-Benz with 401 attributes.
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Base Sport Model)
Consumer Reports Overall Reliability Rating
Combined Fuel Efficiency (Mid-Size Sedan)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-3)
Interior Material Standard (Leather Type)
Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan Base Model)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Model)
Estimated Resale Value Retention (3-Year)
Average Resale Value Retention (3 years)
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Transmission Failure Rate (10-year lifespan)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating 2024
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (avg mid-size sedan)
Starting Price (2026 3-Series vs C-Class)
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.