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Mercedes S-Class vs Audi Q3 comparison

Compare performance (635 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (104,000 £ vs 38,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes S-Class or Audi Q3?

Mercedes S-Class vs Audi Q3: Key differences

Mercedes S-Class

  • significantly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly more trunk space
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Audi Q3

4.3 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • marginally more electric range
  • markedly lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

S-Class

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Audi Q3 is clearly cheaper – starting at 38,200 £ , while the Mercedes S-Class costs 104,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 65,791 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi Q3 uses 1.7 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes S-Class with 2.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.5 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Audi Q3 offers marginally more range – reaching up to 119 km, about 1 km more than the Mercedes S-Class.

Q3

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes S-Class offers significantly more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 363 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes S-Class is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the Audi Q3 takes 5.7 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes S-Class delivers considerably more torque with 850 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 450 Nm more.

S-Class

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi Q3 is markedly lighter – 1,635 kg compared to 2,165 kg. The difference is around 530 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes S-Class offers only slightly more boot space – 530 L compared to 488 L. That’s a difference of about 42 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes S-Class carries a bit more – 660 kg compared to 535 kg. That’s a difference of about 125 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
Mercedes S-Class
Audi Q3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

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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Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 is a compact premium crossover that blends sharp styling with a well-crafted interior, making it an appealing choice for urban drivers who want a touch of luxury. It delivers a composed ride, intuitive tech features and a practical cabin, so it works well as a comfortable daily driver with an upscale feel.

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Mercedes S-Class
Audi Q3

Costs and Consumption

Price
104,000 - 201,400 £
Price
38,200 - 52,900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 11 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.7 - 8.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
98 - 118 km
Electric Range
118 - 119 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
50 - 252 g/km
co2
39 - 195 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,165 - 2,650 kg
Curb weight
1,635 - 1,900 kg
Trunk capacity
345 - 530 L
Trunk capacity
375 - 488 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,921 mm
Width
1,859 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
420 - 660 kg
Payload
505 - 535 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
336 - 635 HP
Power HP
150 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 5.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 9.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
560 - 850 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
247 - 467 kW
Power kW
110 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, G, B, F
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Audi
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.