2025 Audi S7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$85,700 · Sedan

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi S7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class often boils down to balancing outright luxury prestige against sharp, attainable performance value. The major sticking point is the staggering $33,800 MSRP difference, with the S7 starting at $85,700 versus the S-Class at $119,500. While both are powerful AWD sedans, the S7 offers marginally more power, boasting 444 hp compared to the S-Class’s 442 hp, alongside a better fuel economy rating of 22 combined MPG versus 23 combined MPG for the Mercedes, despite the S-Class being slightly more efficient on paper (20/29 MPG vs 19/27 MPG). However, the S-Class provides significantly more overall presence and space, being 13.5 inches longer at 209.5 inches, though its cargo hold is severely compromised at just 12.8 cu ft compared to the S7's usable 24.6 cu ft trunk.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2026 S-Class wins for commuters due to its slightly better city efficiency (20 MPG vs 19 MPG) and more substantial, possibly quieter, presence on the road.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi S7

The Audi S7 offers substantially more utility for families with 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly double the S-Class’s 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S7

The Audi S7 edges out the Mercedes for enthusiasts by providing higher peak torque at 442 lb-ft versus 413 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi S7

The Audi S7 provides performance figures that are very close to the Mercedes while demanding $33,800 less in initial purchase price.

Choose the Audi S7 if...

You prioritize usable trunk space, as the S7 offers 24.6 cu ft versus the S-Class's restrictive 12.8 cu ft.
You want nearly identical power (444 hp) while saving $33,800 on the sticker price.
You prefer slightly quicker acceleration feel, as suggested by the S7's higher torque figure of 442 lb-ft.

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

Your budget allows for the higher luxury segment, starting at $119,500 for the S-Class.
You desire a longer, more imposing vehicle, as the S-Class measures 209.5 inches in length.
You value marginally better real-world fuel economy, achieving 29 highway MPG compared to the S7's 27 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S7	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	196.0"	209.5"
Width	75.1"	75.6"
Height	55.8"	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	2.9 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	444 hp @ 5900 rpm	442 hp
Torque	442 lb-ft @ 2700 rpm	413 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	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
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	366.7/521.1 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	✓	✓
Rear 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	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	710W
Speaker System	10	15
Subwoofer Count	1	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

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: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-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
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
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 Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	255/35R21	255/45R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	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 S7 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

How significant is the $33,800 price gap between the S7 and S-Class?

The price difference is massive; the Audi S7 starts at $85,700, while the Mercedes S-Class commands $119,500. This gap means the S7 is positioned as a high-performance executive sedan, while the S-Class enters full-size flagship territory.

Which sedan is better for highway cruising efficiency?

The Mercedes S-Class has a slight edge, achieving 29 highway MPG compared to the Audi S7's 27 highway MPG. Both require premium fuel, but the S-Class maintains a 1 MPG advantage on long drives.

Is the Audi S7 surprisingly roomy inside?

Compared to the S-Class, yes, the S7 is much more practical for hauling gear, offering 24.6 cu ft of cargo space. The S-Class severely restricts capacity with only 12.8 cu ft in the trunk area.

Are the performance figures comparable between these two AWD sedans?

They are very close; the S7 makes 444 hp and 442 lb-ft, while the S-Class has 442 hp and 413 lb-ft. You gain 2 hp in the Audi but a substantial 29 lb-ft of torque, suggesting punchier mid-range acceleration.

How much larger is the physical footprint of the S-Class?

The 2026 Mercedes S-Class is substantially longer and taller than the 2025 Audi S7. At 209.5 inches long and 59.2 inches high, it dwarfs the S7's dimensions of 196.0 inches long and 55.8 inches high.

Does the S-Class offer a better transmission for driving dynamics?

The S-Class utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, whereas the S7 uses an 8-speed unit. While more gears often mean smoother shifts, the S7’s performance focus might make its gearing feel more aggressive.