Our in-depth Mercedes-Benz vs. Audi comparison pits two prestigious car brands against each other. Both are known for offering luxury through their vehicles, but which of them reigns supreme? We at Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield want to give you the tools to answer the question, "Is Audi better than Mercedes-Benz?" with a resounding "No."
Let's begin with the number of options each brand provides. The Audi lineup is quite vast, with 11 SUV options and 13 sedans, most of which have several variants, such as Sportback and Avant. That's a total of 34 models across the Audi inventory, not including trim levels. However, it's missing a few options, like a full-size SUV.
Compare that to the Mercedes-Benz portfolio: six all-electric models, 13 SUVs, eight sedans, four coupes, and two roadsters. That's not counting the two to five grades that each model boasts, like the AMG® SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE Roadster, which gives you over 800 horsepower, along with add-on packages and other customizations.
Let's take a virtual test drive in their respective cabins. The interior of Audi models is designed with the driver at the forefront. A large cockpit with plentiful screen space and leather materials ensures that models like the Q7 are memorable, homey, and tech-forward.
Compare that to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class interior. Seat-shaped controls with three-level heating and available ventilation and massage options ensure the front two passengers are reclining in luxury. MB-Tex, leather, and Nappa leather options allow you to adjust your comfort to your budget. Plus, the impeccable service provided by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) allows you and your passenger to navigate various apps or make calls easily.
Realistically, Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles are about the same in terms of reliability. Both lineups have a comprehensive suite of features: The Audi pre sense® package, as an example, is a complex system of sensors that helps guide the sedan or SUV in the right direction. The Mercedes-Benz PRESAFE® software detects potential impacts from the rear and braces the vehicle by tightening seatbelts or increasing brake pressure.
The best way to tell if the safety package is right for you is to visit our Mercedes-Benz dealer serving Fairfield, CA. A representative will list the specific safety options of your Mercedes-Benz model, like whether it has PRESAFE® PLUS, ATTENTION ASSIST®, and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist.
When it comes to repairs and maintenance, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a slight advantage. According to RepairPal, you can expect to bring a Mercedes-Benz car or SUV into the shop 0.73 times per year on average.2 That's around 12% better than an Audi, which is expected to require 0.83 trips to the shop on average.1
We go to RepairPal once more to determine that, in general, you can expect to pay more for your Audi service. According to the site, Audi vehicles will cost approximately $987 annually.1 This makes it one of the least reliable of the 32 major brands. Mercedes-Benz cars and sedans are marginally better, costing an average of $908 per year instead.2
The savings don't start at the service bay. When you apply for financing in person at our location in Fairfield, CA, you'll receive a more detailed overview of the Audi vs. Mercedes-Benz SUV or sedan cost comparison. From the beginning until you're ready to resell, a Mercedes-Benz vehicle has the customization and versatility to be your consistent, less expensive travel companion.
While Audi models offer great luxury features, their vehicles typically pale in comparison to those that are similar-sized Mercedes-Benz options. For example, take an Audi Q5 vs. a Mercedes-Benz GLB, side by side. The Audi Q5 offers leather seating surfaces and three-zone climate control, but the GLB strikes back with front passenger lumbar support and the advanced MBUX Interior Assistant.
While Audi models are known for their slight boost in horsepower, many drivers cite the Mercedes-Benz as the superior ride. That's due to an increased emphasis on driver (and passenger) comfort, with features like power lumbar support coming standard. They also feature a more storied cabin design and higher-quality cabin materials, making them a well-loved member of any garage.
The Audi Q7 is closest to the Mercedes-Benz GLE or GLS. Sitting at 199.6 inches, the Audi Q7 sits as a midsize SUV offering in the lineup. The GLE is 194.3 inches long and seats up to seven passengers, making it the closest you can get without entering the full-size category. If you want more space than the Q7, the GLS is 205 inches long.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/audi
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/mercedes-benz
