Audi A8 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon: Which Should You Buy in UAE?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Audi A8⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.

⁦Audi A8⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon⁩: the verdict

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon takes the lead for its remarkable versatility and broader appeal, offering everything from efficient entry-level luxury to blistering AMG performance. However, for buyers prioritizing ultimate, consistent executive comfort and superior rear passenger space as standard, the Audi A8 remains the undisputed choice.
#1#2
Price Comparison
Starting at469,900 AED318,900 – 678,900 AED
Engine & Power
Engine2,995 – 3,993 cc · 6 – 8 cyl1,991 – 3,982 cc · 4 – 8 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)340 – 460 hp184 – 612 hp
Torque (Nm)500 – 660 Nm300 – 850 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)4.5 – 5.7 s3.4 – 7.7 s
Top Speed (Km/h)250 km/h240 – 250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)8 – 10.2 L/100km5.9 – 9.1 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity72 – 82 L50 – 66 L
Gears89
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Battery Size—1 kWh
Measurements
L×W×H5.2 / 5.3 m × 1.9 m × 1.5 / 1.5 m4.9 m × 1.9 m × 1.5 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 / 3.1 m2.9 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,920 – 2,300 kg1,530 – 1,880 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)505 – 520 L540 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterCollision DetectionCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDVDDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHead-Up DisplayHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerIntelligent KeyInternet ConnectivityiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMoving Object Detection SystemMP3Multi-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRoof RailsRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSD Card SupportSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSilver TrimSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V SocketABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldActive BonnetActive HeadrestsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAppsAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothCargo Area LightCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCollision DetectionCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront Seat ArmrestHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerIntelligent KeyInternet ConnectivityiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMoving Object Detection SystemMP3Multi-Information DisplayNavigation SystemOdometerPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRoad Sign AssistScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSpeed LimiterSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTouchpadTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon is the clear winner. Its top-tier variants deliver up to 612 hp and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, significantly outperforming the Audi A8's peak.

2

Best for Executive Luxury & Space

The Audi A8 truly shines here. With its longer wheelbase (up to 3.1 m) and overall length, it provides a more expansive and consistently luxurious cabin, particularly for rear passengers, offering a true limousine experience.

3

Best for Fuel Efficiency

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon offers superior fuel economy. Its entry-level engines achieve an impressive 5.9 L/100km, providing a more economical option compared to the Audi A8's minimum of 8 L/100km.

4

Best for Value & Range of Choice

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon offers better value and more options. Starting at a lower price point and featuring a wider array of engines and features, it caters to a broader spectrum of budgets and preferences.

Pros & cons

Audi A8

Pros

  • Superior rear passenger legroom and overall cabin space
  • Standard All-Wheel Drive across all trims
  • More consistent high-end luxury feel
  • Larger standard fuel tank capacity (up to 82 L)

Cons

  • Higher starting price point (469,900 AED)
  • Less powerful top-end engine compared to E-Class AMG
  • Higher minimum fuel consumption figures (8 L/100km)
  • No Rear Wheel Drive option for purists

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon

Pros

  • Higher top-end performance (up to 612 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 3.4s)
  • Better fuel economy at entry-level (5.9 L/100km)
  • More affordable starting price (318,900 AED)
  • Slightly larger trunk capacity (540 L)
  • More gears (9-speed transmission)

Cons

  • Less consistent luxury feel across all trims
  • Smaller overall dimensions and wheelbase (4.9m length, 2.9m wheelbase)
  • Lower standard engine power (184 hp)
  • Smaller maximum fuel tank capacity (66 L)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Audi A8 or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon is faster at its top-end, with certain variants achieving 0-100 km/h in a blistering 3.4 seconds. The Audi A8's quickest model accelerates in 4.5 seconds. For pure straight-line speed and high-performance thrills, the E-Class, especially in its AMG guise, clearly takes the win.

Is the Audi A8 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon better for luxury comfort?

For consistent, executive-level luxury comfort and superior rear passenger space, the Audi A8 generally excels due to its larger dimensions, longer wheelbase, and focus on high-end appointments across its range. While the E-Class offers luxury, the A8 provides a more pronounced limousine experience. If passenger comfort and a spacious, opulent cabin are paramount, choose the A8.

Which car offers better value for money, the Audi A8 or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon in the UAE?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon offers better value for money, starting at 318,900 AED compared to the Audi A8's 469,900 AED. Its wider range of trims also allows buyers to find a model that perfectly balances luxury, performance, and budget across different price points. For a broader spectrum of options and greater accessibility, the E-Class is more appealing.

Which has better fuel economy, the Audi A8 or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon offers better fuel economy at its most efficient, achieving 5.9 L/100km. The Audi A8's best figure is 8 L/100km. If fuel efficiency is a primary concern and you are looking for a more economical luxury sedan, the E-Class provides more efficient options across its range.