2025 Audi S6 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$75,900 · Sedan

$63,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the sharp performance of the 2025 Audi S6 and the refined efficiency of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presents a classic luxury dilemma: power versus pragmatism. The Audi S6 demands a higher entry fee at $75,900, contrasting sharply with the E-Class's $63,900 MSRP, a difference of $12,000 right off the bat. Performance enthusiasts will note the S6 packs a serious punch with 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the E-Class's 255 hp. However, the Mercedes rewards daily driving with superior fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the Audi's 22 MPG combined. While the S6 offers slightly more utility with 13.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft, the primary trade-off centers on significant horsepower disparity versus substantial long-term running cost savings and better highway cruising figures (33 MPG vs 27 MPG).

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 significantly better combined fuel economy of 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class offers a slightly taller profile at 57.9 inches, which might provide better headroom for passengers than the 56.9-inch tall Audi S6.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S6

The 2025 Audi S6 clearly appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering 444 hp, a full 189 hp more than the E-Class.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class presents superior value by offering a $12,000 lower starting MSRP and better long-term running costs due to superior MPG.

Choose the Audi S6 if...

You prioritize acceleration and need the massive power delivery of 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive capability is essential for your typical driving conditions.
You prefer the marginally larger cargo capacity offered by the S6 at 13.7 cubic feet.

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

You want to save $12,000 upfront, as the E-Class starts at $63,900 compared to $75,900 for the S6.
Your priority is maximizing efficiency, given the E-Class achieves 33 highway MPG versus the S6's 27 highway MPG.
You prefer the handling characteristics of rear-wheel drive for a sportier feel, despite the Audi's AWD.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S6	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Length	195.0"	194.9"
Width	74.3"	74.0"
Height	56.9"	57.9"
Wheelbase	115.3"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	2.9 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	444 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	442 lb-ft	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 (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	366.7/521.1 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 and Side 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear 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
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	14.4 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months

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

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 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 Size	21 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	255/35R21	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 S6 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Is the higher price of the Audi S6 justified by the performance difference?

The Audi S6 costs $12,000 more but delivers 189 extra horsepower (444 hp vs 255 hp). If ultimate straight-line speed is paramount, the S6 justifies its premium, but for standard driving, the E-Class offers better value.

How much more often will I be stopping for fuel with the Audi S6?

The Audi S6 is significantly thirstier, achieving only 22 MPG combined, whereas the Mercedes-Benz E-Class manages 28 MPG combined. This 6 MPG difference means fewer trips to the pump in the E-Class, especially on long highway journeys.

Do the physical dimensions make a noticeable difference in parking?

The dimensions are nearly identical; the Audi S6 is slightly longer at 195.0 inches versus 194.9 inches, but the Mercedes is slightly taller at 57.9 inches compared to the S6's 56.9 inches, meaning usability is virtually the same.

Since both require premium fuel, how does that affect long-term running costs?

While both need premium unleaded, the E-Class's superior efficiency (a 6 MPG advantage overall) means the cumulative cost of fuel over 50,000 miles will be substantially lower for the Mercedes-Benz owner.

Which car has better power delivery for city driving?

Although the S6 has much higher peak horsepower, the E-Class’s standard 255 hp and RWD setup paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission should feel very responsive in city traffic without the thirst associated with the S6’s 444 hp engine.