Compare two popular luxury sedans, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6, to find out which one may be better for you. Explore options at Ed Hicks Imports.
In the world of luxury mid-size sedans, one comparison continues to be a topic of discussion–the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6. Both models are renowned for their top-of-the-line amenities and cutting-edge innovations that shape the luxury vehicle market. But with specifications that may seem similar on the surface, it can be difficult to make a practical choice for everyday life.
We’re here to take a closer look at the Audi A6 vs. Mercedes E-Class in terms of design, ride comfort, technology, and prestige. By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose the luxury sedan with the most long-term value for your next automotive purchase.
| E-Class vs. A6 At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Audi A6 |
| Interior Design & Comfort | Premium synthetic seating, wood or aluminum trim, soft-touch materials, 64-color ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control | Refined wood inlays, standard LED interior lighting, electrochromic dimmable glass roof, available heated rear seats, multi-zone climate control |
| Rear Legroom | 36.2 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Infotainment & Displays | 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.4-inch central touchscreen with 3rd-gen MBUX; available MBUX Superscreen with 12.3-inch passenger display | 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, 14.5-inch MMI center touchscreen; available 10.9-inch passenger display |
| Connectivity & Convenience | Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™, wireless charging, voice assistant, in-car Wi-Fi | Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™, wireless charging, voice assistant, in-car Wi-Fi |
| Engine & Powertrain | 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with mild-hybrid assist; 255 hp; rear-wheel drive; 9-speed automatic | 3.0L V6; 362 hp; standard quattro® all-wheel drive |
| 0–60 mph | ~6.1 seconds | ~4.5 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25 / 33 mpg | 20 / 29 mpg |
| Driving Character | Smooth, refined, comfort-focused | Sportier performance with confident all-weather traction |
| Standard Safety Features | Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking assist, rearview camera, high-beam assist | Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking assist, rearview camera, high-beam assist |
| Advanced Driver Assistance | Car-to-X communication, Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service | Standard adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance |
| Overall Strength | Luxury, comfort, advanced personalization, proactive safety tech | Performance-oriented driving, rear-seat space, AWD confidence |
Stepping inside the 2026 E-Class vehicles, you’ll notice a sleek interior complete with premium synthetic seating and wood or aluminum trim options to make your vehicle truly feel like your own. You can even take personalized comfort to the next level with 64-color LED ambient lighting and dual climate control to suit your and your passenger’s preferences. Soft-touch surfaces, clean lines, and carefully layered materials throughout the cabin give the E-Class a refined and upscale appearance.
By comparison, the 2026 Audi A6’s modern design is highlighted by refined wood inlays, standard LED interior lighting, and a distinctive six-segment electrochromic dimmable glass roof. Comfort features are also a priority, with available upgrades such as heated rear seats and expanded multi-zone climate control. Passengers can also enjoy more available legroom in the back seats than in the E-Class sedans, with 37.4 inches to the E-Class’s 36.2 inches.
In many ways, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 share similar driver technology that comes standard in today’s luxury sedans. Both brands bundle smart conveniences like wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, voice assistants, wireless charging, and in-car Wi-Fi, making the tech ecosystem familiar and easy to use, regardless of which one you choose.
However, a standout hallmark of the E-Class is its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a generous 14.4-inch central touchscreen, both of which feature the 3rd Generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). For an even more immersive tech experience, you can upgrade to the MBUX Superscreen package, which adds a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger.
In contrast, the Audi A6 features an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster right in the driver’s view and a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen dominating the center of the dash. This can be integrated with an additional available 10.9-inch passenger display for navigation, media, or streaming.
Some noteworthy technology features that set the E-Class apart from the A6 include its driver-facing camera, which detects distracting driving, and biometric sensors that load user profiles. While both sedans deliver polished, modern tech experiences, the E-Class ultimately stands out for drivers who value deeper personalization and proactive driver-focused innovations.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E 350 sedan is built for smooth, relaxed driving. Its 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with mild-hybrid assist feels responsive around town and confident on the highway, hitting 0–60 mph in about 6.1 seconds. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission, and the strong 25/33 mpg city/highway fuel economy makes it a great choice for both daily commuting and long road trips.
The 2026 Audi A6 Premium leans more toward performance, thanks to its 362-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and standard quattro® all-wheel drive. It accelerates quickly, reaching 0–60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds, which is especially noticeable when merging or passing. One trade-off is the A-6’s fuel economy, which comes in at 20/29 mpg city/highway. Like the Mercedes, it delivers smooth shifts and confident handling—just with a sportier edge and extra grip in all conditions.
In the Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. Audi A6 matchup, both models offer a strong suite of modern safety features typical of the luxury sedan segment. You’ll find automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, rearview cameras, and parking assist on both models, helping you spot hazards and keep you and your passengers safe.
Audi’s adaptive cruise assist is standard in all A6 vehicles. This feature utilizes radar and cameras to maintain a safe following distance, while also providing gentle steering support and lane guidance when cruising on open roads or in light traffic.
Mercedes goes a step further with features unique to its lineup. For example, industry-leading car-to-x communication enables E-Class vehicles to exchange hazard information with other connected vehicles and infrastructure, which can help you react sooner to unseen dangers. Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service adds another layer of peace of mind by automatically contacting emergency services after certain collisions or when you request help. Together, these systems make the E-Class feel like a more proactive partner on the road.
Step into the future of luxury with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class at Ed Hicks Imports. From advanced MBUX technology to refined driving dynamics, this sedan redefines sophistication on the road. Visit our Corpus Christi dealership to compare models, explore available trims, and schedule your test drive today.
