2025 Audi A7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$72,000 · Sedan

$63,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A7 bursts onto the scene as the sleek, muscular powerhouse, immediately thrilling drivers with its potent 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque channeled through its standard All-Wheel Drive system. Contrast this raw elegance with the refined sophistication of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which prioritizes efficiency and accessible luxury with a 9-speed automatic transmission paired to its 255 hp engine. While the Audi offers a more generous 24.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mercedes' 12.7 cu ft, the E-Class nudges ahead slightly in efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Audi’s 25 combined MPG. This comparison pits Audi’s performance-focused AWD posture against Mercedes-Benz's commitment to traditionally smoother RWD dynamics, all while navigating an $8,100 MSRP gap, with the Audi starting at $72,000 versus the E-Class’s $63,900.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 28 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A7

The 2025 Audi A7 offers significantly more utility with 24.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A7

The Audi A7 provides a clear performance edge with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, besting the E-Class's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a compelling package at an $8,100 lower starting MSRP than the Audi A7.

Choose the Audi A7 if...

You demand immediate acceleration provided by 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You require the added security and traction of an All-Wheel Drive system.
You need maximum hauling capability, as the A7 offers 24.9 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if...

Your primary concern is saving on fuel costs, leveraging its 28 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a lower initial investment, benefiting from the $63,900 MSRP.
You favor the classic driving feel associated with a Rear Wheel Drive layout.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A7	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Length	195.6"	194.9"
Width	75.1"	74.0"
Height	56.0"	57.9"
Wheelbase	115.2"	116.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp @ 6100 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/30 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	424.6/579.0 mi.	435.0/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Infotainment Display	—	14.4 in

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	37.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.1 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	255/40R20	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A7 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Which car is faster in a straight line?

The 2025 Audi A7 is definitely the faster choice, boasting 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This significantly outmuscles the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

How does the fuel economy compare between the two sedans?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the more frugal option, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Audi A7’s 25 combined MPG. The E-Class also shows superior efficiency on the highway at 33 MPG compared to the Audi’s 30 MPG.

Is the Audi A7 more expensive than the Mercedes E-Class?

Yes, the 2025 Audi A7 carries a higher price tag, starting at an MSRP of $72,000. This is an $8,100 premium over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which starts at $63,900.

Which sedan offers better practicality for luggage and gear?

The Audi A7 provides nearly double the usable storage space, featuring a cargo capacity of 24.9 cu ft. Conversely, the Mercedes E-Class provides only 12.7 cu ft for comparison.

What drivetrain differences should I consider?

The Audi A7 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission. The Mercedes E-Class uses a traditional Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) layout mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Are both cars compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?

No, both vehicles require premium fuel, but the requirement differs slightly. The 2025 Audi A7 recommends premium unleaded, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class mandates it.