Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Audi RS7
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts from $278,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi RS7 opens at $248,500. That makes the Audi RS7 the more affordable entry point by $30,400.
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 $306,790 and $273,350 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by roughly $4,130 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Audi RS7. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses a Petrol producing 320kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
The Audi RS7 responds with a Petrol making 463kW and 850Nm, paired to a 8-speed tiptronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds.
The Audi RS7 has the clear power advantage at 463kW vs 320kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS7 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,480/year for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and $3,306/year for the Audi RS7. That is a $826 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,480 (Mercedes-Benz S-Class) vs $3,306 (Audi RS7). The Mercedes-Benz S-Class saves you roughly $826 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi RS7 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi RS7 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class will save you roughly $826 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi RS7?
The Audi RS7 is the cheapest at $248,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz S-Class by $30,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class uses the least fuel at 8.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz S-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RS7 makes the most power at 463kW. The Audi RS7 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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