Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Audi A6

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts from $105,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi A6 opens at $123,600. That makes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the more affordable entry point by $17,700.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $116,490 and $135,960 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 92% for the Audi A6.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A6 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 7 in the Audi A6. The Audi A6 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class misses.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a 14.4-inch touchscreen, while the Audi A6 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi A6 counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds.

The Audi A6 responds with a Diesel MHEV making 210kW and 620Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

The Audi A6 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A6 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class measures 4,949mm long on a 2,961mm wheelbase, 10mm longer than the Audi A6 at 4,939mm (2,924mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 540L in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 530L in the Audi A6, giving the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a 10L advantage.

For towing, the Audi A6 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,100kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,796/year for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and $1,967/year for the Audi A6. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Estimated annual total: $1,796 (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs $1,967 (Audi A6). The Mercedes-Benz E-Class saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz E-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A6). Both match on warranty length.