VS
At a Glance
Power
426kW@6250
145 engine kW
Torque
650Nm@1500
440 Nm
Fuel
13.9
5.0 l/100km
Towing
—
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.5
7.6 s
Engine
4991
1993 cc
Choosing between the AUDI A6 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI A6 delivers 426kW@6250 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 145 engine kW. On fuel, the A6 returns 13.9 while the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 116 500 for the A6 and R1 428 015 for the E-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
426kW@6250
145 engine kW
Torque
650Nm@1500
440 Nm
0-100 kph
4.5
7.6 s
Top Speed
250
238 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4991
1993 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 10
inline
Cylinders
10
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.9
5.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.3
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
10.2
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
66 l
CO2 Emissions
333
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4928
4949 mm
Width
1889
1880-2065 mm
Height
1456
1468 mm
Wheelbase
2846
2961 mm
Ground Clearance
—
—
Kerb Weight
1985
1915 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
540 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
546
615 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
E-Class
Fuel Economy
E-Class
Value
A6
Practicality
E-Class
Pros & Cons
AUDI A6
Lower starting price (R1 116 500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.5s)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or E-Class?
The A6 uses 13.9 and the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The E-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A6 or E-Class?
The A6 produces 426kW@6250 and 650Nm@1500 of torque while the E-Class delivers 145 engine kW and 440 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A6 and E-Class?
The A6 starts from R1 116 500 and the E-Class from R1 428 015. The A6 is cheaper by R311 515 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A6 or E-Class?
The A6 has a braked towing capacity of 0 and the E-Class can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A6 or the E-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.