If you're considering a luxury vehicle, two of the most recognizable manufacturers that come to mind are Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Both offer luxury shoppers comprehensive lineups consisting of sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, and even electric models. Since choosing between these two brands can seem difficult at first, Audi Louisville wants to help simplify your decision. We've assembled this in-depth brand comparison where we'll investigate the key differences between Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Once you see all the advantages for Audi, you'll understand why more and more drivers continue to choose Audi.
Safety
Whether you've got a growing family or simply spend lots of time driving, it's only natural to demand only the safest vehicles to keep you protected from the unexpected. You'll find a tremendous collection of cutting-edge safety features across the Audi model lineup. This commitment to safety is especially evident when you compare ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Audi has received Top Safety Pick Awards for a total of five models, once again outperforming Mercedes-Benz, with only three models receiving the award.
- 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron
- 2024 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
- 2024 Audi Q7
- 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron
- 2024 Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron
Warranty Coverage
Choosing Audi instead of Mercedes-Benz means that you'll receive vastly superior warranty protection as well. While it's true that both manufacturers offer identical 4-year / 50,000 miles basic warranty coverage terms, that's where the similarities end. Below you'll see some of the key differences between the warranties of both Audi and Mercedes-Benz. You'll receive complimentary standard maintenance, no mileage restriction for the 4-year roadside assistance coverage, and 8 years of additional corrosion perforation coverage. Mercedes-Benz simply cannot compete with Audi.
| Audi | VS | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | Powertrain Warranty Coverage | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| 4 Years / Unlimited Mileage | Roadside Assistance Coverage | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| 12 Years / Unlimited Mileage | Corrosion Perforation Coverage | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Electrified Efficiency
Like most automakers these days, both Audi and Mercedes-Benz have begun offering all-electric vehicles as a part of their lineup. The Mercedes-Benz electric models are competent, but don't exactly break any new ground. They use existing technology to give an option to Mercedes-Benz customers who want an electric option. That's fine, but anyone who wants a truly groundbreaking EV would be much better served by Audi.
Performance-wise, Mercedes-Benz has an AMG version of EQS that will hit 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Impressive, sure, but the Audi RS e-tron GT can do it in 3.1 seconds, and costs the same. But the real cutting-edge tech from Audi is the battery architecture, which allows for much faster charging than anything from Mercedes-Benz. That RS e-tron GT we mentioned has a max charging rate of 270 kW, compared to 207 kW from the Mercedes EQS. That means charging to 80 percent on a DC fast charger takes 22.5 minutes with the Audi, but 32 minutes with the Mercedes. And fully charging on your Level 2 home charger is more than an hour quicker with the Audi. The only vehicles on the market that charge as fast are the Porsche Taycan and Macan EV, which share the Audi EV technology.
Brand Comparison Winner - Audi
Now that we've tallied the results, the winner of this brand comparison is Audi. Mercedes-Benz simply cannot match the outstanding dependability, safety, resale value, warranty protection, and the electric innovation represented by Audi. Ready to experience all that Audi has to offer? Our team of experts at Audi Louisville is standing by to help you find the Audi model that's perfectly suited to your lifestyle.