Head to head · Saloon
Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
On the measures that matter most to a used buyer — value retention, reliability, fuel economy and insurance — the Audi A4 comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, winning 2 of the 3 categories where the two differ.
| Measure | Audi A4 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Est. value, ~3 years old | £22,550 (2023, 34,500 mi) | £27,950 (2023, 34,000 mi) |
| Value kept after 3 years | 55% | 55% · wins |
| Reliability (MOT-derived, /100) | 72 · wins | 60 |
| Average mpg | 48 · wins | 44 |
| Insurance group | 32 | 32 |
| Road tax / year | £200 | £200 |
| Typical annual service | £290 | £290 |
Valuations are each model's ~3-year-old example at typical mileage, through the same model behind the profiles. Adjust mileage, trim and condition in the interactive comparison →
A4 vs E-Class — quick answers
Which is more reliable, the A4 or the E-Class?
The Audi A4 scores higher on Forecourt's MOT-derived reliability measure — 72 against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's 60 out of 100.
Which holds its value better, the A4 or the E-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class — it keeps about 55% of its original price after three years, against 55% for the Audi A4.
How much does a used A4 cost compared with a E-Class?
A roughly three-year-old Audi A4 is worth about £22,550 at typical mileage, against about £27,950 for the equivalent Mercedes-Benz E-Class.