2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2026 Audi RS 7
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class embodies serene, technological luxury, featuring 442 hp and achieving a combined 24 MPG, offering supreme comfort in its commanding 208.2-inch frame. Conversely, the 2026 Audi RS 7 explodes onto the scene, a muscular performance sedan packing a massive 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, sacrificing efficiency for sheer velocity (16 combined MPG). This comparison pits ultimate stately refinement against raw, executive muscle. The S-Class maintains its traditional appeal with significantly better fuel economy, saving owners the 8 MPG deficit faced by the RS 7. However, the RS 7 dominates in outright thrust, boasting 179 more horsepower than the Mercedes. While the Audi is quicker, the S-Class offers a more accommodating 12.8 cu ft trunk compared to the RS 7's 24.6 cu ft, surprisingly. The $14,950 price gulf also heavily sways perception, making the Mercedes an accessible entry into flagship motoring.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class is the clear commuter winner due to its superior 24 MPG combined efficiency versus the RS 7's 16 MPG.
2026 Audi RS 7
Despite the S-Class's length, the Audi RS 7 offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 24.6 cu ft, making it more practical for hauling gear.
2026 Audi RS 7
The 2026 Audi RS 7 is overwhelmingly superior for performance enthusiasts with its staggering 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class offers immense luxury and refinement for $14,950 less than the RS 7, providing better value proposition.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if...
- You prioritize day-to-day running costs, benefiting from the S-Class's 24 MPG combined fuel economy.
- You desire the most imposing road presence, indicated by the S-Class's greater length of 208.2 inches.
- You value a $14,950 initial savings over the aggressively powered, higher-priced RS 7.
Choose the Audi RS 7 if...
- You demand explosive acceleration, provided by the RS 7's massive 621 hp output.
- You need superior luggage hauling capability, as the RS 7 boasts 24.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the slightly more compact dimensions, with the RS 7 being shorter and lower than the S-Class.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Audi RS 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 208.2" | 197.2" |
| Width | 76.9" | 76.8" |
| Height | 59.2" | 56.1" |
| Wheelbase | 126.6" | 115.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 442 hp | 621 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 32 |
| 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| [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) | 21/31 MPG | 14/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 16 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 420.0/620.0 mi. | 270.2/405.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wood Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.8 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Burmester | — |
| Stereo Power | 710W | — |
| Speaker System | 15 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | Bang & Olufsen |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.1 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.6 in. | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 10-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 | 12-way | 10-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 |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Massage Function | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 43.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 21 in |
| Tire Size | 255/45R19 | 275/35R21 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| 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 S-Class and 2026 Audi RS 7.
What is the biggest performance gap between the 2025 S-Class and the 2026 RS 7?
The performance difference is substantial; the RS 7 delivers 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 179 horsepower advantage over the S-Class's 442 hp.
How does the fuel economy compare for daily commuting?
The Mercedes S-Class is far more efficient, achieving 24 MPG combined, whereas the performance-focused Audi RS 7 is rated at only 16 MPG combined.
Which vehicle is less expensive to purchase upfront?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a lower MSRP of $117,750, saving the buyer $14,950 compared to the starting price of the 2026 Audi RS 7.
Despite being a sedan, which car offers more usable cargo space?
Surprisingly, the 2026 Audi RS 7 offers nearly double the practicality with 24.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the S-Class's 12.8 cu ft.
Are both high-performance luxury vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the 2026 Audi RS 7 utilize an all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction.
Do both sedans require premium fuel?
Both vehicles demand premium unleaded fuel for operation, although the RS 7 will consume it at a much higher rate due to its lower MPG rating.
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