Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi A8
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

$34,994 - $89,999

2023 price

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Audi A8

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2023 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2023 Audi A8

By Stephen Ottley

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.0L

Diesel Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

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Diesel/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

9.4L/100km (combined)

5.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Powerful engine despite small size
Responsive handling
Stylish and sporty interior

Refinement
Quality
Value

Dislikes

Engine lacks drama expected from AMG
Ride feels unresolved
Big price jump over old model

Big turning circle
No folding rear seat
No front door bottle slots

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Summary

Think of a Mercedes-AMG and the first words that spring to mind are probably not - understated, efficient and restrained. And yet those are probably the best words to describe the all-new C 43.

Of course, before we go any further it’s important to note that the C 43, even in its previous six-cylinder guise, was never meant to be as wild, raucous or powerful as the C63 flagship - that’s simply not its role in the AMG line-up.

But even so, this new model is a dive into fresh territory for the brand and puts a very different spin on the AMG sports sedan as we know it.

This is a four-cylinder model, complete with a Formula One-derived electric turbocharger, so it lacks the sound and fury you expect from something carrying the ‘AMG’ badge - but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, as we’ll explain.

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2023 Audi A8 Summary

Audi’s flagship is the A8, a long, luxurious sedan where being driven is often as important as doing the driving.

To put this ultra-premium machine in context, it competes with other German heavyweights like BMW’s 7 Series and, of course, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as Porsche’s Panamera. Not to mention the Lexus LS or Maserati’s Quattroporte.

What’s life like at the top of the Audi pyramid? Stay with us to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2023 Audi A8

Verdict

The new AMG C 43 may lack the drama and excitement we’ve come to expect from the German performance brand, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car. Yes, it could be more extroverted and the ride could be improved, but this is still a sharp-looking sports sedan with loads of punch.

This is a car that speaks to its times, with ever-stricter emissions regulations making it harder and harder for car companies to produce loud, wild and charismatic cars. So Mercedes-AMG has worked within those boundaries and come up with a car that retains at least some of those core elements that has made the brand so desirable over the years.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Audi A8 swims in a luxury car shark tank where those paying the big dollars expect top-shelf everything. It delivers a serene driving experience whether you’re in the front or the back, in a superbly engineered and executed luxury sedan package. Not perfect, but very, very impressive.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi A8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi A8
What's the difference?