If you want to buy a German car, you may have two favorites - Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Although both options are shining representatives of luxury segment vehicles, they have different brand philosophies that may define your choice. Discover the main distinctions and compare Mercedes and Audi brands with the Indy Auto Man car dealer in Indianapolis.
Both manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, offer their customers a wide assortment of cars. In the 2024 Audi lineup, sports cars and hybrids attract the most attention. Mercedes can offer a wider range of vehicles in different body shapes. In terms of appearance, Mercedes-Benz tends to be more elegant and refined compared to Audi (except for SUVs with their sporty appearance).
When choosing a particular car, pay attention to the interior. The trim quality affects your comfort and mood, so internal equipment may be even more important than external beauty.
Comparing Audi and Mercedes in interior trim makes it possible to identify the leader. Mercedes-Benz wins here, offering you new emotions from your daily trips. Higher quality materials are used, and most models feature modern infotainment systems that competitors do not have. One of the most irritating problems in Audi cars is the lack of convenient access to entertainment settings while traveling.
Read also: Audi vs. Mercedes-Benz vs. BMW comparison
Every Indiana buyer strives to buy the most technologically advanced and modern vehicle, even when choosing from used cars for sale in Indianapolis. Innovations should help increase the level of comfort and improve vehicle performance. The main characteristics of most Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles include fast acceleration, smooth ride, and excellent handling. The range of both brands includes fuel-efficient models (hybrids) and fully electric cars.
Some modern Mercedes representatives come from the more progressive and expensive AMG line that was produced earlier, so you can get a powerful vehicle without paying additional costs for performance. Audi is in no hurry to offer such gifts to its fans. More often, the higher-performance S or RS models are more expensive alternatives.
Most Mercedes and Audi vehicles are equipped with popular driver assistance features as standard:
In this round of the car duel between Audi and Mercedes, we can talk about a draw. Both manufacturers are actively introducing modern innovations to make their cars more comfortable and safe.
No matter whether you choose Mercedes or Audi, you’ll get a well-balanced performance, even in the base models. Performance highlights of most Audi and Mercedes-Benz models include rapid acceleration, a serene ride, and precise handling. Each brand’s lineup includes fuel-efficient models like hybrids and all-electric vehicles.
Model | Standard Horsepower | Standard Torque | Standard 0-60 mph |
---|---|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan | 255 hp | 295 lb-ft | 6.0 seconds |
Audi A4 | 201 hp | 236 lb-ft | 6.3 seconds |
Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV | 255 hp | 295 lb-ft | 6.2 seconds |
Audi Q5 | 201 hp | 236 lb-ft | 6.8 seconds |
Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe | 221 hp | 258 lb-ft | 6.3 seconds |
Audi A3 | 201 hp | 221 lb-ft | 6.6 seconds |
Among the two manufacturers, Audi offers the most affordable vehicles - the 2024 Audi A3 has a starting sticker price of $36,895, according to KBB to the date of publication. At the same time, a new Mercedes-Benz CLA coupe will cost you about $44,000. When it comes to SUVs, the Audi Q3 starts at $38,000, making it less expensive than any SUV from Mercedes-Benz. If you're interested in electric vehicles (EVs), the Audi Q4 e-tron also has a lower starting price compared to all Mercedes EV models.
As for used Mercedes-Benz and Audi the prices are nearly the same and may range depending on the year of manufacture, mileage, and other factors.
Luxury car lovers have a lot of options to choose from in 2024. Both German brands offer a wide range of decent models, from which you can pick a car with the desired level of equipment and the characteristics necessary for your comfort.
However, modern Mercedes cars are one step ahead. A high level of comfort and safety on the road for the driver and passengers, the quality of interior trim, and external elegance distinguish Mercedes-Benz from its competitors. In most classes, Mercedes cars remain leaders.
At the same time, Audi typically receives slightly higher ratings in consumer reliability surveys compared to Mercedes-Benz. For example, Audi models tend to score around 80-85 out of 100, whereas Mercedes models usually score around 75-80 in reliability ratings. Audi also boasts an interesting line of sports models and small cars.
If you are choosing between several models, we recommend visiting Indy Auto Man in Indianapolis and checking the models and trims available from both brands in one place. Here you can personally evaluate the quality of the materials used, as well as the comfort level, to buy your favorite.