Audi vs. Mercedes-Benz

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Audi and Mercedes-Benz contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Audi and Mercedes-Benz cars.

When comparing the Audi brand to the Mercedes-Benz brand, Audi has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, horsepower, fuel efficiency, towing capacity, reliability, safety, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered. Mercedes-Benz has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, overall quality and retained value.

Audi versus Mercedes-Benz: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Audi versus Mercedes-Benz pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Audi in 11 out of 18 vehicle comparisons. Audi also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 7 out of 11 comparisons. Mercedes-Benz models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 19 out of 19 comparisons.

Audi versus Mercedes-Benz: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Audi vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 10 out of 19 model comparisons, with Mercedes-Benz offering more horsepower in 9 comparisons. Audi offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 2 out of 3 comparisons. Audi offers a greater towing capacity in 3 out of 6 comparisons. Mercedes-Benz offers greater towing capacity in 1 out of 6 comparisons, and in 2 comparisons Audi and Mercedes-Benz have the same towing capacity.

Audi versus Mercedes-Benz: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Audi versus Mercedes-Benz overall quality ratings shows Mercedes-Benz with higher quality ratings in 10 out of 14 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Audi has the advantage in 9 out of 14 comparisons. Audi has better safety ratings in 4 out of 10 comparisons while Mercedes-Benz has better safety ratings in 2 out of 10 comparisons. Audi and Mercedes-Benz tie for safety in 4 comparisons. Mercedes-Benz shows higher ratings for retained value in 19 out of 19 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Audi has better car rankings in 12 categories: Audi A8 L (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Large Cars, Audi A4 in Best Luxury Compact Cars, Audi TT (convertible) in Best Luxury Convertibles, Audi TT (coupe) in Best Luxury Coupes, Audi TT (coupe) in Best Luxury Hatchbacks, Audi A8 L (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Hybrid Cars, Audi A8 L (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV), Audi A4 in Best Luxury Small Cars, Audi Q5 in Best Luxury Small SUVs, Audi TT (coupe) in Best Luxury Sports Cars, Audi S3 in Best Luxury Subcompact Cars, and Audi Q3 in Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Mercedes-Benz has better car rankings in 5 categories: Mercedes-Benz GLE in Best Luxury 5-seater SUVs, Mercedes-Benz GLE in Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (coupe) in Best Luxury Large Cars, Mercedes-Benz E-Class in Best Luxury Midsize Cars, and Mercedes-Benz GLE in Best Luxury Midsize SUVs.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Audi has better car rankings in 10 categories: Audi TT (convertible) in Most Reliable Luxury Convertibles, Audi Q7 in Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs, Audi A8 L (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid Cars, Audi A8 L in Most Reliable Luxury Large Cars, Audi A6 in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars, Audi Q7 in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUVs, Audi A8 L (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV), Audi Q5 in Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs, Audi TT (coupe) in Most Reliable Luxury Sports Cars, and Audi Q3 in Most Reliable Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Mercedes-Benz has the better car ranking in 1 category: C-Class in Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Audi has better car rankings in 4 categories: Audi A7 in Best Luxury Large Cars for the Money, Audi A6 in Best Luxury Midsize Cars for the Money, Audi Q7 in Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for the Money, and Audi A4 in Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Audi offers 21 SUVs, 3 wagons, 17 sedans, 6 coupes, and 4 convertibles. In comparison, Mercedes-Benz offers 10 SUVs, 1 wagon, 11 sedans, 4 coupes, 4 convertibles, and 1 minivan.

Drivetrain Options: Audi offers 34 gasoline vehicles, 1 plug-in hybrid, and 12 electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz offers 15 gasoline vehicles, 4 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles.

Audi offers 45 all-wheel-drive models, 2 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model. Mercedes-Benz offers 17 all-wheel-drive models, 3 front-wheel-drive models, and 9 rear-wheel-drive models.