A7 vs S-Class
Same class, different makers. The A7 (Audi) and the S-Class (Mercedes-Benz) are built for the same kind of buyer. Neither side dominates. Only a few of the compared specs differ by enough to matter day to day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance S-Class wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range3.4
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
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
-
The S-Class has 107 hp more power
At 442 hp versus 335 hp, this is a decisive lead for the S-Class, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The S-Class has 44 lb-ft more torque
The S-Class wins this narrowly, 413 lb-ft against 369 lb-ft, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
S-Class leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the S-Class leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The S-Class gives you 107 hp more power. The S-Class’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If this section decides it for you, choose the S-Class.
Total system output
A7: 335 hp S-Class: 442 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
A7: 369 lb-ft S-Class: 413 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
If fuel economy & range matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Treat fuel economy & range as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the A7 and the S-Class each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A7 | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Total system output | 335 hp | 442 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD (4MATIC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A7 | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A7 | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A7 | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A7 | S-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 S-Class if…
- you want more power (442 hp vs 335 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (413 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Mercedes-Benz’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A7 or the S-Class?
On the specs compared here, the S-Class makes more sense for most buyers; the A7 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Audi or Mercedes-Benz? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the A7 versus the S-Class. For me, the deciding factor is that only the S-Class gives you 107 hp more power.
I’d match them like this: the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the A7, engine & performance to the S-Class.
My pick: the S-Class.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.