2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2026 Audi A6
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the 2026 Audi A6 often comes down to whether you prioritize efficiency or outright performance in your luxury sedan. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a more frugal driving experience, boasting a combined MPG of 28 from its 255 hp engine, making it ideal for the daily grind. Conversely, the new Audi A6 throws down a significant challenge with a potent 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, though this comes at the expense of efficiency. While the Audi is slightly longer at 196.8 inches compared to the E-Class's 194.9 inches, the Mercedes starts at a lower MSRP of $62,450, saving you $1,650 upfront. Despite the power difference, the E-Class still delivers solid highway mileage at 33 MPG, potentially lowering running costs considerably over the ownership period.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG efficiency rating.
2026 Audi A6
The 2026 Audi A6 is better for families as it provides 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, slightly beating the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft.
2026 Audi A6
Enthusiasts will favor the Audi A6 because it delivers a substantial 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque advantage.
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers better initial value with a starting MSRP of $62,450, undercutting the Audi by $1,650.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if...
- You want to save money on gas, as the E-Class achieves a 28 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer a lower entry price point, with the E-Class starting at $62,450.
- You value slightly better rear-wheel-drive handling dynamics for a traditional luxury feel.
Choose the Audi A6 if...
- Maximum acceleration and power are essential, given the A6's 362 hp output.
- You need the superior grip and stability provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You require marginally more storage space, as the A6 offers 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Audi A6 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 196.8" |
| Width | 74.0" | 73.8" |
| Height | 57.9" | 57.4" |
| Wheelbase | 116.6" | 115.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 362 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 406 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/33 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 435.0/574.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.4 in | 14.5 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Fixed Electrochromatic Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.3 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.2 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 245/45R H |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 2026 Audi A6.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Audi A6 than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The 2026 Audi A6 is significantly more powerful, producing 362 hp compared to the E-Class’s 255 hp, an impressive difference of 107 horsepower. This power also comes with much higher torque at 406 lb-ft in the Audi versus 295 lb-ft in the Mercedes.
Is the fuel economy difference between these two luxury sedans substantial?
Yes, the difference is noticeable for regular drivers; the Mercedes E-Class nets 28 MPG combined, while the Audi A6 will use more fuel, though its exact combined MPG was not provided, it is implied to be much lower than the E-Class's strong rating.
Which car offers better space for passengers and luggage?
The Audi A6 holds a slight advantage in cargo space, offering 13.5 cu ft compared to the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft. Both are similarly sized sedans in length and width, but the Audi edges out in practical storage.
Do these cars use the same type of gasoline?
Both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the 2026 Audi A6 require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their specified performance figures. Neither is compatible with regular grade gasoline.
What is the difference in starting price between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts lower at an MSRP of $62,450. The 2026 Audi A6 is priced slightly higher at $64,100, making the Mercedes $1,650 cheaper right off the lot.
Which car features All-Wheel Drive (AWD) from the base configuration?
The 2026 Audi A6 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is listed with a standard Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) setup.
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