Compare the2026 Mercedes E-Class SedanVS 2026 Audi A6

The E-Class Sedan has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The A6 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mercedes E-Class Sedan achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Audi A6 has not been tested.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The E-Class Sedan has a standard Maneuvering Brake Function that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The A6 doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

Both the E-Class Sedan and the A6 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and lane departure warning systems.

There are over 25 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the E-Class Sedan’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the E-Class Sedan second among upper midsize premium cars in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The A6 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 59 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 30 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

The E 450 Sedan’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 13 more horsepower (375 vs. 362) than the A6’s 3.0 turbo V6.

On the EPA test cycle the E-Class Sedan gets better mileage than the A6:

Regenerative brakes improve the E-Class Sedan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The A6 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The E-Class Sedan has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the A6 (17.4 vs. 16.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes E-Class Sedan higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Audi A6 (4). This means the E-Class Sedan produces up to 13.2 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the A6 every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes E-Class Sedan, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A6.

For better stopping power the E 450 Sedan’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the A6:

The E-Class Sedan’s 275/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the A6’s optional 35 series tires.

The E-Class Sedan’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The A6 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the E-Class Sedan’s wheelbase is 1.5 inches longer than on the A6 (116.6 inches vs. 115.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the E-Class Sedan is .1 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than on the A6.

For better maneuverability, the E 350 Sedan’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the A6’s (38.1 feet vs. 40.4 feet). The E-Class Sedan 4MATIC’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the A6’s (39.4 feet vs. 40.4 feet).

The E-Class Sedan has .2 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front shoulder room and 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the A6.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the E-Class Sedan’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The A6 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the E-Class Sedan to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The A6 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Mercedes E-Class comes in sedan and station wagon bodystyles; the Audi A6 isn’t available as a station wagon.

The E-Class Sedan is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The A6 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Mercedes E-Class Sedan retains 43.07% of its original value after 5 years, more than the 39.09% resale value of the 2026 Audi A6 after five years, which can save the Mercedes’ owner.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mercedes E-Class Sedan, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The E450 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2025 and 2 more times in the last 9 years. The A6 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

Motor Trend selected the E-Class Sedan as their 2025 Car of the Year. The A6 has never been chosen.

The Mercedes E-Class outsold the Audi A6/S6/RS 6 by 25% during 2025.