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, towing capacity and variety of models offered. Mercedes-Benz has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, fuel efficiency, overall quality, reliability, safety, retained value and vehicle rankings.

Audi versus Mercedes-Benz: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Audi versus Mercedes-Benz pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Audi in 10 out of 19 vehicle comparisons. Audi also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 9 out of 17 comparisons. Mercedes-Benz models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 18 out of 21 comparisons.

Audi versus Mercedes-Benz: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Audi vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 13 out of 21 model comparisons, with Mercedes-Benz offering more horsepower in 8 comparisons. Mercedes-Benz offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 11 out of 14 comparisons. Audi vehicles have higher MPG in 1 comparisons, and both Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles have the same MPG in 2 comparisons. Audi offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. Audi offers a greater towing capacity in 3 out of 8 comparisons. Mercedes-Benz offers greater towing capacity in 1 out of 8 comparisons, and in 4 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 7 out of 7 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Mercedes-Benz has the advantage in 6 out of 7 comparisons. Mercedes-Benz has better safety ratings in 7 out of 9 comparisons while Audi has better safety ratings in 1 out of 9 comparisons. Audi and Mercedes-Benz tie for safety in 1 comparisons. Mercedes-Benz shows higher ratings for retained value in 18 out of 21 comparisons. Audi shows higher retained value ratings in 2 out of 21 comparisons, and Audi and Mercedes-Benz tie over 1 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Audi has better car rankings in 2 categories: Audi A5 (coupe) in Best Luxury Coupes and Audi A5 (coupe) in Best Luxury Hatchbacks.Mercedes-Benz has better car rankings in 11 categories: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Large Cars, Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Best Luxury Compact Cars, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (convertible) in Best Luxury Convertibles, Mercedes-Benz GLE in Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (Plug-in Hybrid convertible) in Best Luxury Hybrid Cars, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (coupe) in Best Luxury Large Cars, Mercedes-Benz E-Class in Best Luxury Midsize Cars, Mercedes-Benz GLE in Best Luxury Midsize SUVs, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (Plug-in Hybrid convertible) in Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV), Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Best Luxury Small Cars, and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (convertible) in Best Luxury Sports Cars.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Audi has better car rankings in 2 categories: Audi SQ5 in Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs and Audi A5 (coupe) in Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars.Mercedes-Benz has better car rankings in 7 categories: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (convertible) in Most Reliable Luxury Convertibles, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid Cars, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (coupe) in Most Reliable Luxury Large Cars, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (coupe) in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars, Mercedes-Benz GLE in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUVs, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV), and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (convertible) in Most Reliable Luxury Sports Cars.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Audi and Mercedes-Benz each have better car rankings in 2 categories. Audi ranks better with the A7 in Best Luxury Large Cars for the Money and the A5 (coupe) in Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money.Mercedes-Benz ranks better with the E-Class in Best Luxury Midsize Cars for the Money and the GLE in Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Audi offers 22 SUVs, 4 wagons, 24 sedans, 3 coupes, and 2 convertibles. In comparison, Mercedes-Benz offers 12 SUVs, 1 wagon, 11 sedans, 3 coupes, and 3 convertibles.

Drivetrain Options: Audi offers 34 gasoline vehicles, 1 plug-in hybrid, and 16 electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz offers 13 gasoline vehicles, 7 plug-in hybrids, and 4 electric vehicles.

Audi offers 50 all-wheel-drive models and 3 rear-wheel-drive models. Mercedes-Benz offers 16 all-wheel-drive models, 4 front-wheel-drive models, and 8 rear-wheel-drive models.