Mercedes-Benz E220d vs Audi A6 35 TDI

Mercedes-Benz introduced the new E-Class in India with the E350d trim. Now the entry-level diesel variant is added to the E-Class line-up in the E220d guise. The long-wheel base executive sedan is available with a frugal diesel motor and a price tag of Rs 57.14 lakh (ex-showroom Pune). However, instead of the Three-pointed Star, you can get yourself an Audi A6 35 TDI and save a few lakh. Here is how they fare against each other.

Engine and Gearbox

Firstly, both the cars employ a 2.0-litre oil burner. The Merc puts out 192bhp at 3800rpm and a max torque of 400Nm at 1600rpm. The A6, on the other hand, comes close with its 190bhp and an equal amount of torque at 1750rpm. Transmission option on the latter is nine-speed automatic, while the Audi comes with a seven-speed unit. While the E-Class is rear wheel driven, the A6 sends its power to the front wheels only. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel mill (codenamed OM654) uses a new stepped-bowl combustion process, asserts the German carmaker. This engine is made up of an aluminium block with steel pistons and a ‘NANOSLIDE’ coating on the cylinder walls. You can read about it over here.

Exterior and Styling

The E-Class is the longest wheelbase sedan in its segment. At 5,063mm, the wheelbase of the E-Class measures a whopping 3,079mm. Mercedes-Benz has adopted the same family face with the E-Class, making it look like downsized S-Class when viewed from certain angles. The A6, on the other hand, is a low-slung sedan with proportionate lines and creases at all the right places. The Audi too follows the familiar family design with large grille up front, sleek LED headlight and large wheels add to the character of the Ingolstadt sedan. Both the sedans ride on 17-inch wheels.

Interior and features

Being a mid-size luxury sedan, both the E-Class and the A6 comes with all the bells and whistles expected at this price range. The E220d gets a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, memory function for rear seats, 12.3-inch infotainment system, a plethora of driver aids and safety equipment. The new A6 features the latest version of Audi’s MMI touch interface for the audio system, navigation unit and various driver-oriented functions of the car. Audi has also included new upholstery and bits of trim to rejuvenate the cabin. Standard features, meanwhile, include adaptive air suspension, Bose surround system, 8 airbags, Audi Drive Select, four-zone climate control and lots more.

Pricing and Conclusion

Both the E-Class and the A6 are equally matched in terms of engine output. The A6, however, is a lot more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz. The E-Class gets you extra cabin room with the longer wheelbase for your money and carries the Mercedes’ brand image in the country. On the other hand, the A6 is just as luxurious and is very well matched in terms of features.