Audi A4 B9 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212

Audi A4

B9 · 2015 – 2024

The fifth-generation A4 (B9), on the longitudinal MLB Evo platform.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W212 · 2009 – 2016

The fourth-generation E-Class.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A4

Pick the B9 for the refined, tech-rich A4 with the quiet 40 TDI diesel and premium interior — ideally a post-facelift car with full history.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (190 hp diesel) or 40 TFSI (190 hp petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Pick the E-Class for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.

Best engine: The E 220 CDI / E 250 CDI (diesel) or E 200 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs M274 E 200 · Petrol

	Audi A4	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Power	190 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	320 Nm Winner	300 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	7,9 s
Top speed	240 km/h Winner	235 km/h
Power-to-weight	129,3 hp/t Winner	119,5 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	137 g/km Winner	138 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,0 L/100km	5,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A4	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Boot	480 L	540 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	—	—
Wheelbase	2,82 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,73 m	4,87 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	13,0 cm
Turning circle	11,6 m	11,3 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.700 kg	2.100 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A4	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	Rear-wheel-drive base (related to the C-Class W204)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 40/45 TFSI e PHEV	M271/M274/M276 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A4

S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early 2.0 TDI
AdBlue/SCR issues on EA288 diesels
MMI (MIB2) infotainment can reboot or freeze

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Pros

Audi A4

Class-leading interior quality & finish
Efficient, quiet EA288 diesel
Composed ride with optional quattro

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

540 L boot (Estate: 695 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
Proven OM651 2.1 diesel (E 250 CDI: 204 hp / 500 Nm)
Comfortable long-distance sedan with optional 4MATIC
V6/V8 options (E 350 / E 500) for smooth performance

Cons

Audi A4

Firm ride on S line + big wheels
Less engaging steering than the 3 Series

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Early M271 petrol: timing chain risk reported

Driving experience

Audi A4

What defines the B9 is how quietly it gets on with the job. The cabin is hushed, the ride composed, and quattro ultra shuffles torque between the axles without ever letting on, giving a planted, almost understeer-free security. Steering is accurate but deliberately light and never asks much of you. Engines are the real story: the 2.0 TFSI is brisk and tractable, the 2.0 TDI the sensible long-distance choice, and the 3.0 TDI V6 pulls like a locomotive with the manners of a far larger car. The S tronic snaps through gears crisply; the tiptronic simply dissolves them. What you give up in steering feel you win back in effortless progress.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Comfortable, quiet and built for long distances. The W212 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and cruises with the calm composure of a large executive saloon. Rear-drive is standard and gives a classic balance; 4MATIC adds traction. The OM651 diesel is the sensible distance choice and stays quiet, the M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, and the 7G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a genuinely comfortable, dependable executive car that does motorway miles with little effort.