2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$63,400 · Sedan

$63,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi RS 3 attacks the road with raw, turbocharged fury, boasting 394 horsepower sent through its sophisticated Quattro all-wheel-drive system, promising unparalleled grip and immediate acceleration from its 7-speed automated manual. In stark contrast, the larger 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, priced nearly identically at $63,900 compared to the Audi’s $63,400, offers a serene, sophisticated experience with its 255 horsepower RWD setup. This rivalry boils down to pure emotion versus pragmatic luxury; the RS 3 provides a blistering performance envelope, yet it only achieves a combined 23 MPG, demanding premium fuel for every aggressive launch. Meanwhile, the longer Mercedes (194.9 inches) swallows cargo with its 12.7 cu ft trunk and sips fuel more economically at 28 MPG combined, demonstrating its superior efficiency despite giving up a massive 139 hp advantage to the nimble Audi.

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 MPG combined versus the RS 3's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class is the better family choice, offering substantially more cargo space at 12.7 cu ft compared to the RS 3's limited 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 3

The 2025 Audi RS 3 is the definitive driver's machine, packing 394 horsepower and a performance-oriented AWD system.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi RS 3

Despite being slightly cheaper, the Audi RS 3 delivers an astonishing 139 more horsepower for nearly the same MSRP.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You prioritize explosive acceleration and high-performance dynamics over cruising comfort.
You require the superior traction offered by an All-Wheel Drive system with a 7-speed automated manual.
You seek maximum power output, as the RS 3 delivers 394 hp for only $63,400.

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

You value efficiency, benefiting from 28 MPG combined versus the Audi’s 23 MPG.
You need practicality, utilizing the E-Class's generous 12.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the traditionally balanced handling of a Rear Wheel Drive platform in a larger sedan package (194.9 inches long).

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

What is the primary performance difference between these two sedans?

The Audi RS 3 is engineered for pure speed, boasting a potent 394 horsepower, which dwarfs the Mercedes E-Class's 255 horsepower. This 139 hp gulf means the RS 3 will offer significantly faster straight-line acceleration.

How does fuel economy compare between the 2025 RS 3 and the 2026 E-Class?

The Mercedes E-Class is the efficiency leader, achieving 28 MPG combined from its RWD setup. The high-output Audi RS 3 trails this figure substantially, managing only 23 MPG combined, and both require premium unleaded fuel.

Is the Mercedes E-Class a more practical vehicle based on its dimensions?

Yes, the E-Class is visibly larger in every dimension, measuring 194.9 inches in length compared to the RS 3’s 178.5 inches. Crucially for families, it offers 12.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the Audi’s tight 8.3 cu ft.

Which car offers better value considering their nearly identical starting prices?

If value is judged by power-per-dollar, the RS 3 ($63,400) offers significantly more performance for the money. However, if value includes lower running costs due to superior fuel economy (5 MPG better), the E-Class ($63,900) holds the advantage.

What differentiates the driving dynamics of the two drivetrains?

The RS 3 utilizes All-Wheel Drive paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission for maximum traction during hard driving. The E-Class runs a traditional Rear Wheel Drive setup mated to a smooth 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, prioritizing balanced road feel.

Are the transmissions similar in operation?

No, the Audi employs a rapid 7-speed automated manual geared for quick shifts, reflecting its sporting intent. Conversely, the Mercedes uses a more comfort-oriented 9-speed shiftable automatic, offering smoother transitions suited for luxury commuting.