2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2026 Audi S3
Comparison Overview
Deciding between luxury, comfort, and outright performance can be tricky, especially when facing a significant price gap. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts at $62,450, offering a more stately presence at 194.9 inches long. Conversely, the 2026 Audi S3 comes in substantially cheaper at $52,000, but packs a punch with 328 hp compared to the E-Class's 255 hp, despite both managing 295 lb-ft of torque. While the Audi boasts superior power output, the Mercedes counters with better efficiency, achieving a 28 MPG combined versus the S3's 26 MPG combined. For city drivers prioritizing easier parking, the S3 is significantly smaller in width (71.5 inches vs. 74.0 inches for the Mercedes) and offers a quieter, less performance-focused ride suitable for daily errands, though its 8.3 cu ft cargo space is notably restrictive compared to the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes E-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Audi S3's 26 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class is the better family choice, offering significantly more cargo space at 12.7 cubic feet versus the S3's 8.3 cubic feet.
2026 Audi S3
The Audi S3 appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering 328 horsepower, a noticeable 73 hp advantage over the E-Class.
2026 Audi S3
The Audi S3 presents better overall value by providing 73 more horsepower for a significant $10,450 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if...
- You prioritize superior luggage and grocery hauling capabilities with 12.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You prefer a larger, more comfortable road presence with a length of 194.9 inches.
- You want marginally better efficiency, netting 28 MPG combined versus the S3's 26 MPG combined.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the S3 starts $10,450 less expensive at $52,000.
- You value raw power, enjoying the 328 hp available from the S3's engine.
- You prefer the confidence of All-Wheel Drive for varied driving conditions over the E-Class's RWD setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Audi S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 177.4" |
| Width | 74.0" | 71.5" |
| Height | 57.9" | 55.7" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 328 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 295 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| 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 |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/33 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 435.0/574.2 mi. | 333.5/449.5 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| 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/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/55R18 | 225/40R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
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 S3.
Is the Mercedes E-Class too big for city driving compared to the Audi S3?
The E-Class is wider at 74.0 inches and longer at 194.9 inches, making it noticeably larger than the 71.5-inch wide Audi S3. While both require careful maneuvering, the smaller dimensions of the S3 generally translate to easier parallel parking.
Why does the Mercedes E-Class cost over $10,000 more if they share the same torque?
The Mercedes commands a higher price ($62,450 vs $52,000) likely due to its status, larger physical size, and potentially more luxury-focused standard features, despite both producing an identical 295 lb-ft of torque.
Which car is better for a long road trip based on specs?
The Mercedes E-Class is marginally better suited for long trips, boasting a 28 MPG combined rating and 12.7 cu ft of cargo room, allowing for fewer fuel stops and more luggage capacity than the S3's 26 MPG combined and 8.3 cu ft.
How significant is the 73 horsepower difference between these two sedans?
The 73 hp gap means the Audi S3 (328 hp) will feel significantly quicker and more engaging during acceleration than the Mercedes E-Class (255 hp). This difference is key for driving enthusiasts.
Does the drivetrain difference matter for winter driving?
Yes, the Audi S3's standard All-Wheel Drive provides superior traction in slippery conditions compared to the Mercedes E-Class's Rear Wheel Drive configuration.
Do these cars require the same type of fuel?
Both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the 2026 Audi S3 require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance and efficiency figures.
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