2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$63,400 · Sedan

$62,450 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Audi RS 3 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lies in power output, with the RS 3 delivering 394 hp compared to the E-Class's 255 hp, a 139 hp advantage. This performance focus results in a 5 MPG penalty for the Audi; the RS 3 achieves 23 combined MPG, while the E-Class returns 28 combined MPG. Priced nearly identically at $63,400 (RS 3) versus $62,450 (E-Class), the Mercedes offers superior utility, boasting 12.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Audi’s 8.3 cu ft. The RS 3 compensates with its all-wheel-drive system and a quicker 7-speed automated manual transmission, contrasting with the E-Class's RWD layout and 9-speed automatic. While the E-Class is dimensionally larger in length (194.9 inches vs. 178.5 inches), the RS 3 prioritizes raw acceleration metrics for a specific driving segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins for commuting due to its superior 28 combined MPG fuel economy and less aggressive nature compared to the RS 3's performance tuning.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class provides 12.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more usable space than the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft, making it better suited for family transport.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 is the enthusiast choice, offering 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque paired with an all-wheel-drive system.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the value winner, costing $950 less while offering higher fuel efficiency and 4.4 cubic feet more storage.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You prioritize maximum acceleration, benefiting from 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You require the enhanced traction capabilities of an all-wheel-drive system.
You prefer the engagement of a 7-speed automated manual transmission over a conventional automatic.

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

You need better running costs, indicated by a 28 combined MPG rating versus the RS 3's 23 MPG.
You require a larger trunk, as the E-Class offers 12.7 cu ft versus the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly lower initial investment, with an MSRP of $62,450.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Length	178.5"	194.9"
Width	72.9"	74.0"
Height	54.8"	57.9"
Wheelbase	103.6"	116.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 5	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	394 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	20	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
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/30 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/435.0 mi.	435.0/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.4 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Sonos	—
Stereo Power	680W	—
Speaker System	15	6
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

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	36.8 in.	37.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	57.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	✓	225/55R18
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 RS 3 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

How significant is the horsepower gap between the two sedans?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Audi RS 3 produces 394 hp, while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class generates 255 hp, resulting in a 139 hp advantage for the Audi.

Which vehicle is more economical for daily driving based on EPA estimates?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is more economical, achieving 28 combined MPG (25 city/33 highway) compared to the RS 3's 23 combined MPG (20 city/30 highway).

Does the difference in MSRP reflect a difference in standard drivetrain?

Yes, despite a small MSRP difference where the E-Class is cheaper by $950, the RS 3 comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the E-Class utilizes a rear-wheel-drive configuration.

How much more cargo space does the larger E-Class sedan offer?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers 12.7 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is 4.4 cubic feet more than the Audi RS 3's capacity of 8.3 cubic feet.

What is the primary mechanical difference in transmission type?

The Audi RS 3 utilizes a performance-oriented 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Mercedes-Benz E-Class employs a more traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic.