2025 Audi S4 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S4 unleashes immediate thrill with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, showcasing Germanic performance prowess in a compact shell. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class leans into refined luxury, offering a more substantial presence at 194.9 inches long. The performance gap is significant: the S4 boasts 94 more horsepower than the E-Class’s 255 hp, translating to superior acceleration for the Audi. Conversely, the Mercedes counters with superior efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the S4’s 24 combined MPG. The pricing dynamic is also stark, with the E-Class commanding a $63,900 MSRP compared to the S4’s $54,900 entry point. While both offer all-weather assurance via AWD (Audi) or RWD sophistication (Mercedes), the S4 delivers visceral power for $9,000 less, making it the choice for raw excitement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins for commuters due to its better 28 combined MPG rating, offering less frequent stops at the pump.
2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The longer and slightly wider 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers marginally more interior space and cargo volume at 12.7 cu ft.
2025 Audi S4
The 2025 Audi S4 is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts, packing 349 hp compared to the E-Class’s 255 hp.
2025 Audi S4
The 2025 Audi S4 provides substantially more performance for $9,000 less than the equivalent Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Choose the Audi S4 if...
- You prioritize exhilarating performance, leveraging the S4's superior 349 horsepower output.
- You are budget-conscious and prefer to save $9,000 off the base MSRP.
- You value the assured grip of an All-Wheel Drive system in a performance package.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the E-Class achieves 33 MPG highway versus the S4's 29 MPG highway.
- You desire the sophisticated stability of a Rear Wheel Drive platform.
- You prefer a longer vehicle footprint, as the E-Class measures 194.9 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S4 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 194.9" |
| Width | 72.7" | 74.0" |
| Height | 56.2" | 57.9" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 116.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 349 hp @ 6300 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 3200 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 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) | 20/29 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 306.0/443.7 mi. | 435.0/574.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| 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 Massage Function | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 36.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 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 Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| 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. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | — | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | — | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | — | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S4 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
How does the power difference impact daily driving between the 2025 Audi S4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The Audi S4 is significantly more potent, generating 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which translates to immediate responsiveness and quicker passing ability. The E-Class, with 255 hp, offers a much smoother, less aggressive power delivery focused more on refined cruising.
Is the Audi S4’s AWD superior to the E-Class’s RWD for year-round use?
The S4's All-Wheel Drive system is inherently better for maximum traction in adverse conditions like snow or heavy rain. The E-Class utilizes a traditional Rear Wheel Drive layout, which typically provides a better feel for steering dynamics but requires more caution in slippery situations.
Considering the cost, is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class worth the extra $9,000 over the Audi S4?
The $9,000 price difference means the E-Class buyer is paying a premium, likely for advanced standard luxury features not detailed here, alongside better fuel economy. However, for performance-per-dollar, the Audi S4 offers substantially more horsepower for the lower investment.
How much better is the fuel economy for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The E-Class offers a notable efficiency advantage, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the S4’s 24 combined MPG. This gap widens on the highway where the E-Class hits 33 MPG while the S4 achieves 29 MPG.
Which sedan is physically larger, the 2025 Audi S4 or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the physically larger vehicle across the board; it is 194.9 inches long compared to the S4’s 187.5 inches. The E-Class is also wider (74.0 inches vs 72.7 inches) and slightly taller.
Do both sedans require premium fuel?
Yes, both vehicles require premium fuel for optimal performance, though the Audi S4 labels it as 'recommended' while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class mandates it, signaling stricter tuning requirements.
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