Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Audi A4 Comparison

On paper, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid looks like an absolute masterstroke for the Indian luxury market. By marrying a silky-smooth 3.0-litre straight-six with a substantial electric battery, Mercedes is promising the holy grail of flagship motoring. Which is zero-emission city commuting alongside uncompromised, long-distance highway range. Add to that the unprecedented safety shield of 15 airbags and the cutting-edge MB.OS tech, and it looks poised to set a whole new benchmark.

However, the real test will be on the tarmac. We still need to see how seamlessly the complex hybrid powertrain behaves in bumper-to-bumper gridlock and how beautifully the standard AIRMATIC suspension handles the added weight of the 22kWh battery pack. It is an engineering marvel on the spec sheet, but we will reserve our final judgment until we get the keys for a comprehensive road test.

The Audi A4 is a highly competent and charming luxury sedan. It does not try to win you over with overly complicated touchscreens or aggressive styling. Instead, it gets most of the fundamentals right.

The 2.0-litre engine is quick, the gearbox is snappy, and the cabin is a genuinely quiet place to spend time. The physical controls are a breath of fresh air in a market obsessed with digital menus. While the lack of a diesel engine might turn some buyers away, the petrol motor is more than up to the task. It strikes a brilliant balance between everyday comfort and strong performance, and if you want a sensible, well-built, and understated German sedan, the A4 should be right at the top of your list.