Audi
e-tron
Mercedes-Benz
EQS
Audi e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz EQS: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz EQS comes out ahead of the Audi e-tron on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
e-tron
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided, heavily dependent on the specific model and purchase context. For the e-tron SUV/Sportback (now Q8 e-tron), long-term owner reports are generally positive regarding its exceptional comfort, quiet ride, luxurious interior, and real-world reliability, especially for 2021+ models. However, this is contrasted by very frequent and severe criticism of its software, mobile app, and infotainment system, which are described as unreliable and poorly executed.
Best version to buy
For the e-tron SUV, the 2021 and newer models with the MIB3 infotainment upgrade are strongly recommended over 2019-2020 MIB2 units, which suffer from neglected software support. The 'Advanced' or 'Prestige' trims are noted for maximizing luxury features like massage/cooling seats and acoustic glass.
Known issues
- ⚠Unreliable mobile app and remote connectivity (e.g., climate control): frequent disconnections, commands fail to send or execute, system downtime. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Buggy and slow infotainment software: system freezes, laggy response, requires reboots, older MIB2 systems are unsupported. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Extreme depreciation: values can drop 60-70% over 5 years, making new purchases financially unfavorable. Frequency: very frequent.
EQS
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with significant criticism focused on value, design, and perceived quality. The vehicle is acknowledged for its advanced technology, including the first SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system (Drive Pilot) on certain highways, and its comfortable, quiet ride as a long-distance cruiser. However, it is heavily criticized for its exterior styling, described as an "ugly" blob, and its interior, which some owners feel has a "cheap feeling" with glossy plastics that creak, failing to match the expected luxury ambiance of a traditional S-Class.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific trim. One mention suggests the AMG version takes a "severe range hit," implying non-AMG versions might be preferred for efficiency.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe depreciation: one-year-old models with low mileage reported to lose approximately 60% of value. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Interior material quality and build: "cheap feeling" interior compared to S-Class, use of glossy painted plastics that creak, piano black trim. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Software stability issues: key submodules require frequent hard reboots; system requires regular software updates. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Audi e-tron, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mercedes-Benz EQS are a dealbreaker, the Audi e-tron is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mercedes-Benz EQS than the Audi e-tron. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Audi e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi e-tron is classed as a SUV, the Mercedes-Benz EQS as a Liftback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.