2026 Audi RS 7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$132,700 · Sedan

$119,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2026 Audi RS 7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lies in performance capability, indicated by a 179 horsepower gap. The RS 7 delivers 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the S-Class's 442 hp and 413 lb-ft. This performance disparity is reflected in the fuel economy, where the S-Class achieves a superior 23 combined MPG versus the RS 7's 16 combined MPG. Furthermore, the S-Class carries a $13,200 lower MSRP at $119,500 compared to the RS 7’s $132,700. While the S-Class is longer at 209.5 inches and offers a more practical 12.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, the RS 7 boasts a tighter exterior dimension profile (76.8 inches wide vs 75.6 inches wide for the S-Class) and a nearly double cargo rating at 24.6 cu ft. Both employ AWD, but the RS 7 prioritizes acceleration while the S-Class emphasizes efficiency and space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers substantially better fuel economy at 23 combined MPG versus the Audi RS 7's 16 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class is over 7 inches longer and has a higher roofline, contributing to a more accommodating passenger environment despite having less dedicated cargo volume than the RS 7.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 dominates in raw power, producing 621 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque compared to the S-Class's respective 442 hp and 413 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class presents superior value by offering luxury and efficiency at a $13,200 lower starting MSRP than the RS 7.

Choose the Audi RS 7 if...

Your priority is maximum straight-line acceleration and power, leveraging the 621 hp engine.
You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle footprint, with an exterior width of 76.8 inches versus the S-Class's wider interior focus.
You need the superior dedicated cargo capacity, rated at 24.6 cu ft.

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

Minimizing fuel stops is critical, given its 23 combined MPG rating (7 MPG better than car1).
Achieving a premium luxury sedan experience while saving $13,200 on the initial purchase price is desirable.
You prefer the slightly larger physical footprint and better daily usability associated with its 209.5-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 7	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Length	197.2"	209.5"
Width	76.8"	75.6"
Height	56.1"	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	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	621 hp	442 hp
Torque	627 lb-ft	413 lb-ft
Number of Valves	32	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
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/21 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	270.2/405.3 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Stereo Power	—	710W
Speaker System	—	15
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-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
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
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 Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	275/35R21	255/45R19
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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi RS 7 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What is the specific fuel consumption difference between the 2026 Audi RS 7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class achieves 23 combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway), whereas the Audi RS 7 is rated significantly lower at 16 combined MPG (14 City/21 Highway). This represents a 7 MPG difference favoring the S-Class for daily commuting efficiency.

How much more powerful is the Audi RS 7 compared to the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class model?

The RS 7 boasts 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This significantly surpasses the S-Class's output of 442 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, demonstrating the RS 7's focus on performance metrics.

Which sedan provides a better foundation for moving cargo, based on the provided specifications?

The Audi RS 7 offers substantially more storage space with 24.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the S-Class's 12.8 cubic feet. Although the S-Class is longer overall, the RS 7 dedicates more volume to the trunk area.

Does the difference in MSRP justify the performance disparity between the two vehicles?

The S-Class has an MSRP of $119,500, costing $13,200 less than the RS 7 at $132,700. Buyers must weigh this savings against the 179 hp deficit in performance offered by the S-Class.

Are the transmissions and drivetrain configurations identical for commuting?

Both utilize All-Wheel Drive systems, but they feature different gear counts; the RS 7 uses an 8-speed automatic, while the S-Class employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Which car offers a larger physical footprint for overall road presence?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a longer overall length at 209.5 inches compared to the Audi RS 7's 197.2 inches. Additionally, the S-Class is taller, measuring 59.2 inches high versus the RS 7's 56.1 inches.