Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. Audi A8 L
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8 L contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8 L.
When comparing the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's and the Audi A8 L's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Audi A8 L has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's and the Audi A8 L's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a better car than the Audi A8 L.
Pricing: For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's price is between $128,643 and $232,903, with the Audi A8 L priced between $88,650 and $106,617.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class loses 59.5 percent of its value and the Audi A8 L loses 62.6 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz S-Class retains 3.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A8 L.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is 7.5 out of 10 while the Audi A8 L's quality rating is 7.2 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class being ranked 7 out of 13 Best Luxury Large Cars and the Audi A8 L being ranked 6 out of 13.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is 7.7 out of 10. For the Audi A8 L the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi A8 L.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s base engine makes 442 horsepower, and the Audi A8 L base engine makes 335 horsepower. The S-Class is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 620 miles. The A8 L is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 564 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Audi A8 L. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are large cars, the Audi A8 L has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room and rear leg room. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
128643 - 232903
Starting MSRP:
117750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
100643
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
72000 - 128600
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
88650 - 106617
Starting MSRP:
92000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
100643
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
72000 - 128600
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
139535
Price Range:
113341 - 198440
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
108498
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
76075 - 139960
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
108498
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
76075 - 139960
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.55588193
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.47768574 - 0.62908089
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
57875
Depreciation %:
0.62908089
Resale Value $:
34125
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.55588193
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.47768574 - 0.62908089
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Audi A8 L Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
9.1 - 16.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.018
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A8 L
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
9.1 - 16.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.6796903965756322
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
1.6 - 11.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2064095459559265
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
1.6 - 11.3
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 9Audi A8 L Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trim Levels
Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC, Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC
Audi A8 L Trim Levels
quattro 55 TFSI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
442 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
413 foot-lbs @ 2200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.093 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
335 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
369 foot-lbs @ 1370 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 31 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
420 / 620 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
434 / 564 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
43.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Cargo Space:
12.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
107.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4740 lbs
Width:
83 inches
Height:
59.2 inches
Length:
208.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4773 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
58.3 inches
Length:
209.5 inches
Wheelbase:
123.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
265/40R20XL
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / MANUFAKTUR Signature Night Black Magno / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Signature China Blue / MANUFAKTUR Signature Mystic Blue Metallic / Nautical Blue Metallic
Brown
Sonoran Brown Metallic
Gold
MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Signature Kalahari Gold Magno
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno / MANUFAKTUR Selenite Grey Magno / MANUFAKTUR Signature Graphite Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Signature Silicon Grey / Selenite Grey Metallic
Green
Emerald Green Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Signature Olive Metallic
Red
Rubellite Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Verde Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Magno / MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Firmament Blue Metallic / Sebring Black Crystal Effect
Brown
Madeira Brown Metallic
Gold
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey
Black
Black
Blue
Yacht Blue/Black
Brown
Nut Brown/Black / Sienna Brown/Black / Truffle Brown/Black
Red
Carmine Red/Black
Silver
Silver Grey/Black
White
Deep White/Black
Yellow
Pastel Yellow/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Pearl Beige
Black
Black
Blue
Not available
Brown
Cognac Brown / Sarder Brown
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
