2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2026 Audi RS 3

$62,450 · Sedan

$66,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the 2026 Audi RS 3 is the power output, where the RS 3 delivers 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the E-Class’s 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. This performance gulf comes at a 5 MPG combined efficiency penalty for the Audi (23 MPG vs. 28 MPG for the Mercedes) and a $3,650 higher MSRP ($66,100 vs. $62,450). Furthermore, the E-Class is the larger vehicle, measuring 194.9 inches in length compared to the RS 3's 178.5 inches, offering a notable advantage in cargo volume with 12.7 cu ft versus the Audi’s 8.3 cu ft. While both demand premium unleaded fuel, the Mercedes utilizes a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission for its RWD setup, contrasted with the RS 3's 7-speed automated manual driving its Quattro AWD system.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the RS 3's 23 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class offers substantially more usable space, boasting 12.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RS 3's restricted 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 3

The 2026 Audi RS 3 is the clear enthusiast choice, delivering 394 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive capabilities.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a lower entry cost at $62,450 and better long-term running costs due to its 5 MPG efficiency edge.

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

Your priority is daily running costs, indicated by the 5 MPG advantage (28 combined MPG).
You require practical sedan utility, evidenced by 12.7 cu ft of trunk space over the competitor’s 8.3 cu ft.
A lower initial investment of $62,450 is preferred over the Audi's $66,100 price tag.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

Maximum acceleration and output are desired, given the 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque figures.
All-Wheel Drive grip and a 7-speed automated manual transmission are preferred driving dynamics.
A smaller, more agile footprint is needed, as the RS 3 is 16.4 inches shorter in length (178.5 inches vs. 194.9 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Audi RS 3
Length	194.9"	178.5"
Width	74.0"	72.9"
Height	57.9"	54.8"
Wheelbase	116.6"	103.6"

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	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 5
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	394 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	369 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	20
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
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/33 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	435.0/574.2 mi.	290.0/420.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	14.5 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	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Infotainment Display	14.4 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	15
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Sonos
Stereo Power	—	680W
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	36.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	54.8 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: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.2 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	53.0 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	✓
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in
Tire Type	—	Performance

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 2026 Audi RS 3.

What is the primary performance difference between the E-Class and the RS 3?

The primary measurable difference is output: the 2026 Audi RS 3 produces 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This substantially outperforms the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is rated at 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

How do the fuel efficiency and required fuel type compare?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a higher combined fuel economy rating at 28 MPG, compared to the Audi RS 3's 23 MPG combined. Both vehicles mandate the use of premium unleaded gasoline.

Which vehicle offers better utility for carrying luggage or groceries?

The E-Class provides superior cargo capacity at 12.7 cubic feet, whereas the RS 3 is significantly tighter, offering only 8.3 cubic feet for storage.

What is the difference in MSRP for these two sedans?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts at an MSRP of $62,450. The performance-oriented 2026 Audi RS 3 commands a slightly higher base price of $66,100.

How do the drivetrains differ between the two luxury sedans?

The E-Class utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive configuration paired with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the RS 3 employs an All-Wheel Drive system mated to a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Is one vehicle noticeably larger than the other in overall dimensions?

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is substantially larger; it is 194.9 inches long and 57.9 inches tall. The Audi RS 3 is more compact, measuring 178.5 inches in length and standing 54.8 inches high.