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
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.
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.
Structured comparison data for Mercedes-Benz vs Audi with 305 attributes.
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)
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (After Warranty)
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.