Audi A8 vs Mercedes E-Class 2026 Comparison
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan positioned one class above the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is a midsize executive car. The A8 offers more space, advanced technology, and premium features, while the E-Class provides better value and more model variants at a lower price point.
Audi A8
Full-size luxury sedan with advanced technology and performance-oriented engineering.
Executives and luxury buyers seeking a flagship full-size sedan with advanced tech and maximum rear-seat space.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Midsize executive sedan offering exceptional value, technology, and multiple body style options.
Buyers wanting premium German engineering with more affordable entry pricing and the flexibility of multiple body styles.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan positioned one class above the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is a midsize executive car. The A8 offers more space, advanced technology, and premium features, while the E-Class provides better value and more model variants at a lower price point.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Audi A8 if you prioritize spaciousness, cutting-edge technology, maximum performance, and are willing to invest in a true full-size luxury flagship. Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you want an exceptional executive sedan with lower ownership costs, more variant options (sedan, wagon, coupe, cabriolet), and still want premium luxury without the full-size price tag.
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TIE — neck and neck
Choose Audi A8 if
Executives and luxury buyers seeking a flagship full-size sedan with advanced tech and maximum rear-seat space.
Choose Mercedes-Benz E-Class if
Buyers wanting premium German engineering with more affordable entry pricing and the flexibility of multiple body styles.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Vehicle Class & Size:✓ Audi A8 wins(Full-size luxury sedan vs Midsize executive sedan)
- Starting Price (2026):✓ Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins($57,550 USD vs $86,900 USD)
- Standard Engine Power:✓ Audi A8 wins(335 hp (3.0L TFSI V6) vs 255 hp (2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder))
Key Facts & Figures
73 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Audi A8 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Model Starting Price(USD) | $102,000 | — | — |
| Maximum Horsepower Available(hp) | 500 hp (4.0L TFSI) | — | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)(mpg) | 22 mpg | 24 mpg | |
| Interior Screen Size (Standard)(inches) | 10.1-inch dual screens | — | — |
| Autonomous Driving Level(Level) | 2 | Level 2+ | |
| Cargo Capacity (Trunk)(cubic feet) | 17.4 cu ft | — | — |
| Infotainment Rating (User Satisfaction)(out of 10) | 8.1/10 | — | — |
| Base Engine Power Output(hp) | 335 hp | 255 hp (E 350) | |
| 0-60 Acceleration (Base Model)(seconds) | 5.4 sec | — | — |
| MSRP Starting Price(USD) | $86,500 | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base)(MPG) | 25 MPG | — | — |
| Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 10.1 inches | 11.9 inches | |
| Cabin Width(inches) | 58.1 inches | — | — |
| Maximum Engine Power Available(hp) | 335 hp | — | — |
| Overall Length(inches) | 5,170 mm | 4,945 mm | |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 37.8 inches | 35.8 inches | |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $98,900 | $67,550 | |
| Base Engine Power(hp) | 335 | 255 hp (2.0L turbo) | |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration (Base)(seconds) | 5.8 seconds | 6.1 seconds | |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Base)(mpg combined) | 24 mpg combined | 26 mpg combined | |
| Curb Weight (Base)(lbs) | 4,398 lbs | 3,615 lbs | |
| Wheelbase Length(mm) | 3,100mm | — | — |
| Base Model MSRP(USD) | $87,400 | — | — |
| EPA Fuel Efficiency (Combined)(MPG) | 24 | — | — |
| Infotainment Display Size(inches) | 10.1 | 11.9 in standard / 56 in hyperscreen | |
| Rear Seat Headroom(inches) | 37.8 | — | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 16.7 cu ft | 13.1 cu ft | |
| Warranty Coverage(years) | 4 years/50k miles | — | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $86,900 | $57,550 | |
| Standard Engine Output(hp) | 335 hp | 255 hp | |
| 0-60 Acceleration(seconds) | 5.4 seconds | 6.2 seconds | |
| Wheelbase(inches) | 123.0 inches | 112.8 inches | |
| EPA Range(miles) | 300 miles (gas) / 450 miles (hybrid) | 300 miles (gas) / 450 miles (hybrid) | |
| Base Price(USD) | $59,850 | $59,850 | |
| Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $1,200-1,800 | $1,200-1,800 | |
| Cost Per 100 Miles(USD) | $5.40 (premium at $3.60/gallon) | $5.40 (premium at $3.60/gallon) | |
| Charging Network Coverage(locations) | 7,500 public chargers (Mercedes partnership) | 7,500 public chargers (Mercedes partnership) | |
| Base Model Power Output(hp) | 255 hp (E350) | 255 hp (E350) | |
| 0-60 MPH Acceleration(seconds) | 6.2 seconds | 6.2 seconds | |
| EPA Highway Fuel Economy(mpg) | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | |
| PHEV Plug-in Efficiency(MPGe) | 25 MPGe (E580e) | 25 MPGe (E580e) | |
| Touchscreen Display Size(inches) | 12.3 inches | 12.3 inches | |
| Basic Warranty Duration(years/miles) | 4 years / 50k miles | 4 years / 50k miles | |
| Steering Responsiveness (Turn-to-Turn)(lock-to-lock turns) | 2.9 turns | 2.9 turns | |
| Starting MSRP(USD) | $56,400 | $56,400 | |
| Starting Price (2026)(USD) | $65,450 | $65,450 | |
| Base Engine Horsepower(hp) | 255 hp (E350) | 255 hp (E350) | |
| 0-60 mph (Top Model)(seconds) | 3.8 sec (AMG E53) | 3.8 sec (AMG E53) | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base)(mpg) | 24 mpg (E350) | 24 mpg (E350) | |
| Trunk Capacity(cubic feet) | 13.1 cu ft | 13.1 cu ft | |
| Infotainment Display (Standard)(inches) | 12.3-inch (Hyperscreen) | 12.3-inch (Hyperscreen) | |
| Premium Audio System (Optional)(watts) | 1,457W Burmester | 1,457W Burmester | |
| Base Warranty (Bumper-to-Bumper)(years) | 4 years | 4 years | |
| 0-60 mph (Base Model)(seconds) | 6.1 seconds | 6.1 seconds | |
| EPA City/Highway MPG(MPG combined) | 24/34 (Turbocharged) | 24/34 (Turbocharged) | |
| J.D. Power Reliability Score(points) | 76/100 | 76/100 | |
| Average Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $680 | $680 | |
| Interior Cabin Length(inches) | 193.8 inches | 193.8 inches | |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration (Base 3.0T/3.0L)(seconds) | 5.9 sec (E 350) | 5.9 sec (E 350) | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (3.0T Turbo)(mpg) | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | |
| Rear Trunk Capacity(cubic feet) | 18.5 cu ft | 18.5 cu ft | |
| 3-Year Residual Value Retention(% of MSRP) | 62% | 62% | |
| EPA Estimated Range(miles) | ~380 miles (31 MPG on 18.5 gal tank) | ~380 miles (31 MPG on 18.5 gal tank) | |
| Annual Fuel/Energy Cost(USD) | $1,850 (premium fuel) | $1,850 (premium fuel) | |
| Engine Power Output(horsepower) | 369 hp (3.0L Twin-Turbo E350) | 369 hp (3.0L Twin-Turbo E350) | |
| Battery/Powertrain Warranty(years) | 4 years / 50k miles | 4 years / 50k miles | |
| Top Speed(mph (electronic limit)) | 155 mph (E350) | 155 mph (E350) | |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph(seconds) | 5.1 sec (E450) | 5.1 sec (E450) | |
| Base MSRP(USD) | $59,700 | $59,700 | |
| Cabin Noise at 70 mph(dB) | 64 dB | 64 dB | |
| Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft | |
| Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 22 MPG (E450) | 22 MPG (E450) | |
| Horsepower (base turbocharged engine)(hp) | 329 hp (E450) | 329 hp (E450) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- Full-size luxury sedan(winner)Vehicle Class & SizeMidsize executive sedan
- $86,900 USDStarting Price (2026)$57,550 USD(winner)
- 335 hp (3.0L TFSI V6)(winner)Standard Engine Power255 hp (2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder)
- 123.0 inches(winner)Wheelbase Length112.8 inches
- 5.4 seconds(winner)0-60 Acceleration6.2 seconds
- 37.8 inches(winner)Rear Legroom35.8 inches
- 10.1-inch MMI touchscreenStandard Infotainment Screen11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen(winner)
- Vehicle Class & Size
Audi A8
Full-size luxury sedan(winner)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Midsize executive sedan
- Starting Price (2026)
Audi A8
$86,900 USD
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$57,550 USD(winner)
- Standard Engine Power
Audi A8
335 hp (3.0L TFSI V6)(winner)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
255 hp (2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder)
- Wheelbase Length
Audi A8
123.0 inches(winner)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
112.8 inches
- 0-60 Acceleration
Audi A8
5.4 seconds(winner)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
6.2 seconds
- Rear Legroom
Audi A8
37.8 inches(winner)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
35.8 inches
- Standard Infotainment Screen
Audi A8
10.1-inch MMI touchscreen
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Audi A8 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Base Model Starting Price(USD) | $102,000 | — |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $98,900 | $67,550(winner) |
| Base Model MSRP(USD) | $87,400 | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $86,900 | $57,550(winner) |
| Starting MSRP(USD) | $56,400 | — |
Show 1 more attributeStarting Price (2026)(USD) $65,450 — | ||
| Maximum Horsepower Available(hp) | 500 hp (4.0L TFSI) | — |
| Base Engine Power Output(hp) | 335 hp(winner) | 255 hp (E 350) |
| 0-60 Acceleration (Base Model)(seconds) | 5.4 sec | — |
| Maximum Engine Power Available(hp) | 335 hp | — |
| Base Engine Power(hp) | 335(winner) | 255 hp (2.0L turbo) |
Show 13 more attributes0-60 mph Acceleration (Base)(seconds) 5.8 seconds 6.1 seconds Standard Engine Output(hp) 335 hp 255 hp 0-60 Acceleration(seconds) 5.4 seconds 6.2 seconds Base Model Power Output(hp) 255 hp (E350) — 0-60 MPH Acceleration(seconds) 6.2 seconds — Base Engine Horsepower(hp) 255 hp (E350) — 0-60 mph (Top Model)(seconds) 3.8 sec (AMG E53) — 0-60 mph (Base Model)(seconds) 6.1 seconds — 0-60 mph Acceleration (Base 3.0T/3.0L)(seconds) 5.9 sec (E 350) — Engine Power Output(horsepower) 369 hp (3.0L Twin-Turbo E350) — Top Speed(mph (electronic limit)) 155 mph (E350) — Acceleration 0-60 mph(seconds) 5.1 sec (E450) — Horsepower (base turbocharged engine)(hp) 329 hp (E450) — | ||
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)(mpg) | 22 mpg | 24 mpg(winner) |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base)(MPG) | 25 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Base)(mpg combined) | 24 mpg combined | 26 mpg combined(winner) |
| EPA Fuel Efficiency (Combined)(MPG) | 24 | — |
| EPA Highway Fuel Economy(mpg) | 30 mpg | — |
Show 5 more attributesPHEV Plug-in Efficiency(MPGe) 25 MPGe (E580e) — EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Base)(mpg) 24 mpg (E350) — EPA City/Highway MPG(MPG combined) 24/34 (Turbocharged) — EPA Combined Fuel Economy (3.0T Turbo)(mpg) 24 mpg — Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) 22 MPG (E450) — | ||
| Interior Screen Size (Standard)(inches) | 10.1-inch dual screens | — |
| Autonomous Driving Level(Level) | 2 | Level 2+(winner) |
| Infotainment Rating (User Satisfaction)(out of 10) | 8.1/10 | — |
| Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 10.1 inches | 11.9 inches(winner) |
| Infotainment Display Size(inches) | 10.1 | 11.9 in standard / 56 in hyperscreen(winner) |
Show 4 more attributesInterior Display(inches) Dual 12.3-inch displays (traditional layout) — Infotainment Display (Standard)(inches) 12.3-inch (Hyperscreen) — Premium Audio System (Optional)(watts) 1,457W Burmester — Infotainment System Version Year MBUX 2 (2025 generation) — | ||
| Cargo Capacity (Trunk)(cubic feet) | 17.4 cu ft | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 16.7 cu ft(winner) | 13.1 cu ft |
| Rear Trunk Capacity(cubic feet) | 18.5 cu ft | — |
| Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 16.6 cu ft | — |
| Standard All-Wheel Drive(available) | Standard quattro AWD | — |
| Basic Warranty(years/miles) | 4 years / 50,000 miles | — |
| Basic Warranty Duration(years/miles) | 4 years / 50k miles | — |
| Base Warranty (Bumper-to-Bumper)(years) | 4 years | — |
| Powertrain Warranty(years/miles) | 4/50,000 | — |
| Battery/Powertrain Warranty(years) | 4 years / 50k miles | — |
| MSRP Starting Price(USD) | $86,500 | — |
| Base MSRP(USD) | $59,700 | — |
| Cabin Width(inches) | 58.1 inches | — |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 37.8 inches(winner) | 35.8 inches |
| Rear Seat Headroom(inches) | 37.8 | — |
| Cabin Noise at 70 mph(dB) | 64 dB | — |
| Overall Length(inches) | 5,170 mm | 4,945 mm |
| Wheelbase Length(mm) | 3,100mm | — |
| Wheelbase(inches) | 123.0 inches(winner) | 112.8 inches |
| Curb Weight (Base)(lbs) | 4,398 lbs | 3,615 lbs(winner) |
| Warranty Coverage(years) | 4 years/50k miles | — |
| EPA Range(miles) | 300 miles (gas) / 450 miles (hybrid) | — |
| Base Price(USD) | $59,850 | — |
| Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $1,200-1,800 | — |
| Cost Per 100 Miles(USD) | $5.40 (premium at $3.60/gallon) | — |
| Annual Fuel/Energy Cost(USD) | $1,850 (premium fuel) | — |
| Charging Network Coverage(locations) | 7,500 public chargers (Mercedes partnership) | — |
| Engine Options | 2.0L Turbo (255 hp) or Hybrid (445 hp) | — |
| Touchscreen Display Size(inches) | 12.3 inches | — |
| Steering Responsiveness (Turn-to-Turn)(lock-to-lock turns) | 2.9 turns | — |
| Trunk Capacity(cubic feet) | 13.1 cu ft | — |
| Interior Cabin Length(inches) | 193.8 inches | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Score(points) | 76/100 | — |
| Average Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $680 | — |
| 3-Year Residual Value Retention(% of MSRP) | 62% | — |
| Standard Warranty Length(years/miles) | 4 years/50,000 miles | — |
| Warranty(years/miles) | 4 years / 50,000 miles | — |
| EPA Estimated Range(miles) | ~380 miles (31 MPG on 18.5 gal tank) | — |
Audi A8Mercedes-Benz E-ClassShow 1 more attribute
Show 13 more attributes
Show 5 more attributes
Show 4 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Audi A8
Pros
- 335 hp standard engine with 5.4-second 0-60 time delivers strong acceleration
- 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration and 360-degree camera system
- 123.0-inch wheelbase provides 37.8 inches of rear legroom for ultimate passenger comfort
- Standard air suspension with predictive adjustments for superior ride quality
- Available 48V mild-hybrid powertrain improves efficiency while maintaining performance
Cons
- Starting price of $86,900 USD is $29,350 more than E-Class entry model
- Limited body style options compared to E-Class (sedan only versus sedan, wagon, coupe, cabriolet)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Pros
- Starting price of $57,550 USD provides significant savings versus A8 with strong feature set
- 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen with latest AI integration and voice control for enhanced usability
- Four body styles available (sedan, wagon, coupe, cabriolet) for diverse customer preferences
- Standard 48V mild-hybrid technology on gasoline engines improves fuel efficiency
- Extensive engine options ranging from 255 hp turbocharged four-cylinder to 503 hp AMG variant
Cons
- 255 hp base engine generates 80 hp less power than A8's standard 335 hp offering
- 112.8-inch wheelbase provides 2.2 inches less rear legroom than A8 (35.8 vs 37.8 inches)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury flagship sedan with a 123-inch wheelbase, 335 hp standard engine, and $86,900 starting price. The Mercedes E-Class is a midsize executive sedan with a 112.8-inch wheelbase, 255 hp base engine, and $57,550 starting price. The A8 prioritizes space and premium positioning, while the E-Class offers better value and more body style options.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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Wikipedia
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