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Audi A3 Sportback vs Mercedes E Class - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (400 HP vs 585 HP), boot space and price (27000 £ vs 50500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Mercedes E Class?

Audi A3 Sportback

Mercedes E Class

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

A3 Sportback

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Audi A3 Sportback has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 27000 £ , while the Mercedes E Class costs 50500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 23490 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore evident more efficient than the Mercedes E Class with 1.50 L. The difference is about 0.40 L per 100 km.

As for electric range, the Audi A3 Sportback performs slightly better – achieving up to 141 km, about 25 km more than the Mercedes E Class.

E Class

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes E Class has a evident edge – offering 585 HP compared to 400 HP. That’s roughly 185 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is barely noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the Mercedes E Class takes 4 s. That’s about 0.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes E Class performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Audi A3 Sportback tops out at 237 km/h. The difference is around 13 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes E Class pulls evident stronger with 750 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 250 Nm difference.

A3 Sportback

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is distinct lighter – 1360 kg compared to 1810 kg. The difference is around 450 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes E Class offers clearly perceptible more room – 540 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 160 L.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes E Class evident takes the win – 640 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 160 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes E Class shows itself to be won narrowly and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £50,500
E Class

Mercedes E Class

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 186 - 585 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.5 - 7.5 L
  • Electric Range : 101 - 116 km
Audi A3 Sportback
Mercedes E Class

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

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Mercedes E Class

The Mercedes E‑Class is the executive saloon that balances calm refinement with a hint of sporting intent, wrapping luxury in tasteful understatement. It pampers occupants with a composed ride and intuitive tech while quietly reminding you that it’s still very much a Mercedes — authoritative, polished, and unwilling to shout for attention.

details
Audi A3 Sportback
Mercedes E Class

Costs and Consumption

Price
27000 - 56600 £
Price
50500 - 119700 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
1.5 - 7.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
101 - 116 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
21.20 kWh
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
39 - 172 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 - 66 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
Curb weight
1810 - 2390 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
370 - 540 L
Length
4352 - 4353 mm
Length
4949 - 4959 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1880 mm
Height
1441 - 1470 mm
Height
1468 - 1480 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
530 - 640 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
186 - 585 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 8.5 s
Max Speed
225 - 237 km/h
Max Speed
222 - 250 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
320 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
137 - 430 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
1993 - 2999 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, D
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.