Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi A4 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 163 | 367 | -55.6% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 380 | 750 | -49.3% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 20.8 | 16.4 | +26.8% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Diesel | Diesel | — |
| Transmission | DSG | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $45,468 | $95,580 | -52.4% |
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes about 56% more power (367 vs 163 hp).
- Audi A4 is the more economical, at 20.8 km/L against 16.4.
Verdict: A4 or E-Class?
Audi A4 advantages
- Fuel economy (+21%)
- Affordability (+52%)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class advantages
- Engine power (+56%)
- Pulling torque (+49%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Audi A4 if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Audi A4 if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: which should you choose?
Audi A4 (2023 35 TDI) — diesel sedan with 163 hp and 380 Nm, rated at 20.8 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $45,468 in the Germany market.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2025 E450d xDrive (W214)) — diesel sedan with 367 hp and 750 Nm, rated at 16.4 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $95,580 in the Germany market.
Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Mercedes-Benz E-Class is more powerful. Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes about 56% more power (367 vs 163 hp). Audi A4 is the more economical, at 20.8 km/L against 16.4.
Performance
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the more powerful, at 367 hp against 163 hp, with 750 Nm of torque on tap. Its diesel drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Audi A4 is more economical at 20.8 km/L against 16.4 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Audi A4 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and Mercedes-Benz E-Class 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Audi A4 lists lower at about $45,468 (USD-converted from the Germany market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi A4 better than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes about 56% more power (367 vs 163 hp).
What is the main difference between the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes about 56% more power (367 vs 163 hp). Audi A4 is the more economical, at 20.8 km/L against 16.4.
Which is better value?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Audi A4 if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter. Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.