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Audi A1 vs Mercedes S-Class comparison

Compare performance (207 HP vs 635 HP), boot space and price (20,000 £ vs 104,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A1 or Mercedes S-Class?

Audi A1 vs Mercedes S-Class: Key differences

Audi A1

2.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • clearly lighter
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Mercedes S-Class

  • substantially more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A1

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Audi A1 is considerably cheaper – starting at 20,000 £ , while the Mercedes S-Class costs 104,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 84,048 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes S-Class uses 2.2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Audi A1 with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 3 L/100km.

S-Class

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes S-Class offers substantially more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 428 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes S-Class is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the Audi A1 takes 6.5 s. That’s about 2.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes S-Class delivers clearly more torque with 850 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 530 Nm more.

A1

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A1 is clearly lighter – 1,175 kg compared to 2,165 kg. The difference is around 990 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes S-Class offers noticeably more boot space – 530 L compared to 335 L. That’s a difference of about 195 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes S-Class carries markedly more – 660 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 190 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes S-Class holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £104,000
S-Class

Mercedes S-Class

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 336 - 635 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.2 - 11 L/100km
  • Electric Range 98 - 118 km
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Frequently compared as well

Audi A1
SEAT Ibiza
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The Audi A1 and SEAT Ibiza are two of Europe’s most accomplished small hatchbacks, taking very different approaches to style, comfort and driving character. This brief comparison highlights where the A1 shines with a premium interior and refinement, and where the Ibiza scores on practicality, value …
Audi A1
Audi Q2
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Choosing between the A1 and the Q2 comes down to whether you want a nimble city hatchback or a taller compact crossover with more space. The A1 is built for sharp handling, efficiency and style in tight urban settings, while the Q2 delivers a higher driving position, extra practicality and a more …
Audi A1
Mercedes S-Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Audi A1

The Audi A1 is a compact premium hatch that wraps Audi's polished design and surprisingly grown-up cabin into a city-friendly package. It’s poised and fun to drive, a smart pick for buyers who want luxury flair without the fuss of a bigger car — and it makes tight parking feel almost enjoyable.

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Reviews Audi A1

2.4 (1 Reviews)
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Mercedes S-Class

The Mercedes S-Class wraps peerless comfort, whisper-quiet luxury and subtle tech wizardry into a chauffeur-ready package that still knows how to engage the driver. It’s the car for buyers who want to arrive relaxed, be taken seriously and occasionally enjoy a grin when the road reminds them this limousine can dance.

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Reviews Mercedes S-Class

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Frequently compared as well

Audi A1
Toyota Yaris
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The Audi A1 and Toyota Yaris are two popular small hatchbacks that take very different approaches: the A1 offers a premium, stylish package with sharper handling and a more refined cabin, while the Yaris focuses on practicality, fuel efficiency and low running costs. Choose the A1 if you want a …
Audi A1
VW T-Cross
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The Audi A1 and VW T-Cross present distinct offerings in the compact car segment, each catering to different tastes. The Audi A1 targets urbanites with its chic design and nimble handling, accented by a premium interior that suggests sophistication. In contrast, the VW T-Cross appeals to those …
Audi A1
VW Golf
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Tiny premium flair meets mainstream mastery: the Audi A1 brings city-class style, crisp interiors and nimble handling, while the VW Golf remains the benchmark hatchback — spacious, sensible and hard to beat. We pit the posh A1 against the practical Golf to find out which one earns your money, your …
Audi A1
VW T-Roc
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The Audi A1 and VW T-Roc both embody the quintessential strengths of their respective brands, yet cater to different driving needs. The Audi A1, with its sleek silhouette and agile handling, is perfect for urban dwellers seeking a compact and premium experience without compromising on performance. …
Mercedes S-Class
VW Tayron
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Mercedes S-Class and VW Tayron go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Mercedes S-Class or the …
Audi A1
Peugeot 208
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Audi A1 and Peugeot 208 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Audi A1 or the Peugeot 208 is …
Audi A1
Renault Clio
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The Audi A1 and Renault Clio both target city hatchback buyers but take different routes: the A1 prioritises a premium cabin and sporty handling, while the Clio focuses on practicality, efficiency and value. Your choice hinges on whether you want an upmarket, sharper-driving small car (A1) or a …
Audi A1
Hyundai i10
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Audi A1 and Hyundai i10 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Audi A1 or the Hyundai i10 is …
Audi A1
Mercedes S-Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,000 - 28,800 £
Price
104,000 - 201,400 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 6.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 11 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
98 - 118 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
118 - 146 g/km
co2
50 - 252 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,175 - 1,365 kg
Curb weight
2,165 - 2,650 kg
Trunk capacity
335 L
Trunk capacity
345 - 530 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,740 - 1,756 mm
Width
1,921 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 470 kg
Payload
420 - 660 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 207 HP
Power HP
336 - 635 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 11.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 5.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
175 - 320 Nm
Torque
560 - 850 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Power kW
70 - 152 kW
Power kW
247 - 467 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Audi A1 have?

The Audi A1 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.