2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Comparison Overview
The most striking quantitative divergence between the 2026 Audi S3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the $11,900 MSRP difference, with the S3 starting at $52,000 versus the E-Class's $63,900. Performance specifications show the S3 leading significantly in power output, boasting 328 hp compared to the E-Class's 255 hp, though both generate an identical 295 lb-ft of torque. For efficiency, the larger E-Class achieves a slightly better combined MPG rating of 28 versus the S3's 26 MPG. The E-Class provides substantially more utility, offering 12.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the S3's 8.3 cu ft, alongside a considerable 7.5-inch difference in overall length (194.9 in vs. 177.4 in). These metrics establish a clear trade-off between the performance-oriented, smaller S3 and the more spacious, comfort-focused E-Class.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is superior for commuters due to its better fuel economy (28 combined MPG) and significantly larger cabin dimensions.
2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class offers 12.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, providing 53% more space than the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2026 Audi S3
The Audi S3 delivers 73 more horsepower (328 hp vs. 255 hp) for a definitively sportier acceleration profile.
2026 Audi S3
The Audi S3 offers superior raw power-per-dollar, starting $11,900 less expensive while producing significantly higher horsepower.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Your priority is maximum performance, as the S3 offers 328 hp versus the E-Class's 255 hp.
- You seek a lower initial investment, with the S3 MSRP set at $52,000.
- You prefer the agility and dimensions of a shorter vehicle (177.4 inches in length).
Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if...
- Cargo capacity is essential, as the E-Class provides 12.7 cu ft of trunk space.
- You require marginally better highway fuel efficiency, achieving 33 MPG versus the S3's 31 MPG.
- A more traditional, larger luxury sedan setup with RWD and a 9-speed automatic transmission is preferred.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 194.9" |
| Width | 71.5" | 74.0" |
| Height | 55.7" | 57.9" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 116.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| 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 | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 435.0/574.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Sonos | — |
| Stereo Power | 680W | — |
| Speaker System | 15 | 6 |
| Surround Audio | 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 |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-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 |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 36.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 57.1 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 | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
| 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 S3 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2026 Audi S3 and E-Class?
The 2026 Audi S3 is the clear performance leader, generating 328 horsepower. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 255 horsepower, representing a 73 hp deficit.
Which sedan offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is slightly more efficient, achieving 28 combined MPG (25 city/33 highway). The Audi S3 registers 26 combined MPG (23 city/31 highway).
How significant is the price gap between these two models?
There is a substantial $11,900 price difference, with the Audi S3 starting at $52,000 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class beginning at $63,900.
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class significantly larger than the Audi S3?
Yes, the E-Class is dimensionally larger across the board; it is 17.5 inches longer and offers considerably more cargo volume at 12.7 cu ft compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Based on the specifications provided, both the 2026 Audi S3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel.
What differentiates the drivetrain setups of the two vehicles?
The Audi S3 utilizes an all-wheel-drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class employs a rear-wheel-drive layout connected to a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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