Mercedes-Benz vs. Audi Comparison
When it comes to luxury automotive brands, two of the most recognizable marques in the industry are certainly Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Although each offers a complete lineup of premium sedans, SUVs, performance models, and hybrid variants — it’s common for buyers to struggle when deciding which one is the best fit for their needs and lifestyle. To help simplify your decision, Mercedes-Benz of Akron has assembled this in-depth comparison that compares these two German luxury brands side-by-side. Read on to discover all the advantages of driving a Mercedes-Benz instead of an Audi.
Safety
Whether you typically drive across town or across the country on a regular basis, safety and driver assistance technology can make a tremendous difference in your driving experience. When it comes to transporting your friends and family, choosing a vehicle equipped with state-of-the-art safety technologies and the highest build quality standards can provide you with a comforting sense of peace of mind behind the wheel.
Highlighting the brand’s tireless pursuit of safety, it comes as no surprise that Mercedes-Benz earned two 2021 Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Receiving top honors in the most rigorous test for vehicle safety in the United States are the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and GLE.
Safety Features
Since the very beginning, the Mercedes-Benz brand has remained a leader in the development of safety features which have become standards across the automotive industry. Listed below are only a small selection of milestones in safety which have debuted on Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
- The crumple zone – 1951
- Patent for the air bag – 1971
- Antilock Braking System (ABS) – 1978
- Electronic traction control – 1985
- Automatic child-seat recognition – 1997
- Side curtain air bags – 1998
- Night view assist – 2005
- Surround view system – 2012
Dependability
Especially important for any type of new vehicle purchase, choosing a model ranked highly for dependability helps make your experience behind the wheel that much more rewarding. Each year the team at J.D. Power conducts their Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 33,251 original owners of 2018 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership.
Not only did Mercedes-Benz rank higher than Audi in terms of overall dependability — they also received a segment award winner. Taking home the title of the highest-ranked Small Premium SUV in the SUV segment of the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) was the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Audi did not earn any individual model victories in this study.
MotorTrend Car of the Year Award – 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
In a commanding victory, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class took home the prestigious honor of being named the 2021 MotorTrend Car of the Year. “The Mercedes feels three times as well built, as well engineered, as sophisticated as the competition,” Jonny Lieberman (senior features editor) said. “The Mercedes is a superior vehicle in terms of ride quality, dynamics, kinematics, or any other measurements you can think of. You feel the difference.”
Striking attributes of every E-Class include exacting engineering, powerful performance, unrivaled interior refinement, and now the latest in semi-autonomous driver-assist systems. For the ultimate midsize luxury sedan experience, look no further than the iconic Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
1. To qualify for a 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. It also needs an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good headlight rating.
2. Source: 2021 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)
3. Source: 2021 MotorTrend Car of the Year Awards
