A6 vs EQE
The A6 and the EQE compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Audi and Mercedes-Benz each making its case. Spec for spec, there isn’t much daylight between them, so small details and personal priorities will decide it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance EQE wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The EQE has 27 hp more power
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the EQE (288 hp versus 261 hp). More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
EQE leads
On engine & performance, the difference is modest, and it favors the EQE. The EQE stands out with 27 hp more power. The EQE’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Bottom line for engine & performance: the EQE has the edge.
Total system output
A6: 261 hp EQE: 288 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the A6’s and the EQE’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A6 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (12V mild hybrid) | Electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 261 hp | 288 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft Least torque in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A6 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 308 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A6 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A6 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A6 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the EQE if…
- you want more power (288 hp vs 261 hp)
- you already know your way around Mercedes-Benz’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A6 or the EQE?
On the specs compared here, the EQE makes more sense for most buyers; the A6 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The A6 and the EQE come from rival camps, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, but they’re chasing the same person: you. Honestly, 27 hp more power on the EQE does a lot of the persuading for me.
In my head, the A6 is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick and the EQE is the engine & performance pick.
My pick: the EQE.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.