A7 vs E-Class
Same class, different makers. The A7 (Audi) and the E-Class (Mercedes-Benz) are built for the same kind of buyer. The choice here comes down to priorities: engine & performance favors the A7, while fuel economy & range favors the E-Class.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A7 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range E-Class wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range3.4
- Engine & Performance0.6
- Fuel Economy & Range5.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The A7 has 80 hp more power
Put simply, the A7 is far ahead here: 335 hp compared with 255 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The A7 has 74 lb-ft more torque
The A7’s 369 lb-ft leaves the E-Class’s 295 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The E-Class has better fuel economy
On paper, the E-Class is a touch ahead here, listing 28 mpg against 25 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The E-Class has better city fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the E-Class: 25 mpg compared with 22 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The E-Class has better highway fuel economy
The E-Class is slightly stronger on fuel economy (highway). The gap, 33 mpg versus 30 mpg, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
A7 leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the A7 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The A7 steps ahead thanks to 80 hp more power. The A7’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Bottom line for engine & performance: the A7 has the edge.
Total system output
A7: 335 hp E-Class: 255 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
A7: 369 lb-ft E-Class: 295 lb-ft The A7’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
E-Class leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the E-Class isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. Choose the E-Class and you get better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Net result: the E-Class leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
A7: 25 mpg E-Class: 28 mpg The E-Class uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
A7: 22 mpg E-Class: 25 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the E-Class starts from a better baseline.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the A7 and the E-Class cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A7 | E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 255 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (winner) | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A7 | E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 25 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 30 mpg | 33 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A7 | E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A7 | E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A7 | E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| 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 A7 if…
- you want more power (335 hp vs 255 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (369 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Audi
Choose the E-Class if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (28 mpg vs 25 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (25 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (33 mpg vs 30 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A7 or the E-Class?
Neither wins outright. Choose the A7 if engine & performance matters most, or the E-Class if fuel economy & range does.
Executive Summary
Audi makes the A7, Mercedes-Benz makes the E-Class, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. What tips it for me is that the A7 has 80 hp more power. In fairness to the E-Class, better fuel economy is a genuine strength.
Match the strength to your habits (engine & performance for the A7, fuel economy & range for the E-Class), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: I’d go with the A7 if I cared most about engine & performance, and the E-Class if fuel economy & range mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.