2025 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$128,600 · Sedan

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most striking numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi RS 7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lies in powertrain output, where the RS 7 delivers a substantial 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, compared to the S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque—a difference of 179 horsepower. Conversely, the S-Class achieves superior fuel economy, netting 23 combined MPG against the RS 7's 17 combined MPG. Priced at $128,600, the RS 7 costs $9,100 more than the $119,500 S-Class. Dimensions also vary, with the S-Class being significantly longer at 209.5 inches versus the RS 7's 197.2 inches. Furthermore, cargo capacity heavily favors the Audi, offering 24.6 cu ft compared to the Mercedes's minimal 12.8 cu ft, despite the S-Class being taller at 59.2 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a superior 23 combined MPG versus the RS 7's 17 MPG, leading to lower running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 7

The 2025 Audi RS 7 provides more than double the utility with 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 7

The RS 7 is the definitive performance choice, producing 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the S-Class's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class offers better fuel efficiency and a $9,100 lower initial MSRP, establishing a stronger baseline value proposition.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

Maximum straight-line acceleration and superior torque (627 lb-ft) are the primary driving factors.
A user requires substantial cargo space, as the RS 7 offers 24.6 cu ft, nearly double that of the competitor.
The driver prefers the slightly lower stance (56.1 inches height) associated with a sport-focused sedan.

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

Minimizing fuel stops is important, given the S-Class's 23 combined MPG versus the RS 7's 17 MPG.
The buyer prioritizes the lower acquisition cost, saving $9,100 on the initial MSRP.
The driver prefers a noticeably longer vehicle for road presence, as the S-Class measures 209.5 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 7	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	197.2"	209.5"
Width	76.8"	75.6"
Height	56.1"	59.2"
Wheelbase	115.3"	126.6"

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	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	621 hp	442 hp
Torque	627 lb-ft	413 lb-ft
Number of Valves	32	24
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	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/21 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	270.2/405.3 mi.	400.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	20.0 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four 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	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Wood Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Stereo Power	—	710W
Speaker System	—	15
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume 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	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	42.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.2 in.	59.6 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-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
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.1 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.0 in.	43.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	59.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	275/35R21	255/45R19
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 7 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi RS 7 than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The 2025 Audi RS 7 holds a significant advantage in performance specifications, delivering 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This is 179 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque more than the 442 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque generated by the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Which sedan offers better utility for carrying luggage?

The Audi RS 7 offers substantially better utility with a cargo capacity of 24.6 cubic feet. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is significantly more constrained, offering only 12.8 cubic feet for cargo.

What is the difference in running costs based on fuel economy?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the clear efficiency winner, achieving 23 combined MPG using premium unleaded fuel. The performance-oriented Audi RS 7 trails significantly with an economy rating of only 17 combined MPG.

Is the price difference between the two models substantial?

Yes, there is a noticeable upfront cost difference of $9,100; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has an MSRP of $119,500, while the 2025 Audi RS 7 starts at $128,600.

Are these vehicles similar in physical footprint despite being sedans?

No, their dimensions diverge considerably, particularly in length and height. The S-Class is 209.5 inches long, making it 12.3 inches longer than the RS 7, while the S-Class is also taller at 59.2 inches compared to the RS 7's 56.1 inches.