Audi A4 B9 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213

Audi A4

B9 · 2015 – 2024

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

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W213 · 2016 – 2023

The fifth-generation E-Class on the MRA platform.

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 d (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	7,7 s
Top speed	240 km/h	240 km/h
Power-to-weight	129,3 hp/t Winner	114,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	137 g/km Winner	138 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,0 L/100km	5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A4	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Boot	480 L	540 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	—	—
Wheelbase	2,82 m	2,94 m Winner
Length	4,73 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	13,0 cm
Turning circle	11,6 m	11,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.700 kg	2.100 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A4	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
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	M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d-TEMP
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

Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
Electronics/software: MBUX and driver-aid glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

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: 640–670 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (E 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm, ~4.6 L/100 km)
MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
E 300 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 700 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

Audi A4

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

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV (E 300 e) shrinks boot space
Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance

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

Serene, isolating and effortlessly luxurious. Steering is light and accurate, the ride hushed and composed, and the E-Class swallows motorway miles without a trace of stress. 4MATIC adds all-weather security, though the character stays comfort-first rather than sporting. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, irons out rough roads beautifully. The petrols are smooth and eager with 48-volt assistance, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the E 300 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts seamlessly, rarely drawing attention to itself. Overall a calm, tech-rich executive saloon built for distance, not drama.