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Audi A3 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 5-year value retention (59% vs 59%), resale value, and cost of ownership head-to-head. Audi A3 holds its value better.
On five-year value retention the Audi A3 comes out ahead, holding about 59% of its value versus 59% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Over the first five years the Audi A3 loses roughly $16,281 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses about $25,944 — a gap near $9,663.
First-year drop is the biggest factor: the Audi A3 sheds about 1% in year one versus 4% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. If you buy used, the steeper early drop is what the original owner absorbs.