2025 Audi A5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$48,400 · Hatchback

$48,450 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Audi A5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is in cargo utility, with the A5 hatchback offering 21.8 cu ft versus the C-Class sedan's minimal 11.6 cu ft. Performance metrics show the A5 achieving 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque from its 7-speed automated manual, slightly outgunning the C-Class's 255 hp, although the C-Class wins on torque distribution with 295 lb-ft delivered through a 9-speed automatic. Fuel efficiency also favors the Mercedes, achieving 29 combined MPG (25/35 City/Highway) compared to the Audi's 26 combined MPG (23/32 City/Highway), despite both vehicles recommending or requiring premium unleaded fuel. At a nearly identical MSRP of $48,400 (A5) versus $48,450 (C-Class), the A5 offers superior practicality and marginally better horsepower, while the C-Class provides greater torque density and better efficiency. The Audi A5's dimensions are slightly shorter in length (187.2 in vs 187.0 in) but significantly narrower in height (54.6 in vs 56.6 in) than its Benz competitor.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class provides better city fuel economy at 25 MPG compared to the Audi A5's 23 MPG city rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A5

The Audi A5 hatchback offers nearly double the practicality with 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the C-Class sedan's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class delivers superior torque output (295 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft) and utilizes a 9-speed transmission compared to the A5's 7-speed unit.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A5

The Audi A5 offers 21.8 cu ft of cargo space and 261 hp for only $50 less than the C-Class.

Choose the Audi A5 if...

Maximum cargo utility is a priority, evidenced by its 21.8 cu ft capacity.
A preference exists for the lower height of 54.6 inches and an all-wheel drive layout.
The buyer prioritizes the slightly higher 261 horsepower output in the premium segment.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if...

Superior efficiency is desired, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the A5's 26 combined MPG.
Higher torque figures, specifically 295 lb-ft, are preferred for initial responsiveness.
Rear-wheel drive architecture and a 9-speed automatic transmission are the preferred drivetrain configuration.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Length	187.2"	187.0"
Width	72.6"	74.4"
Height	54.6"	56.6"
Wheelbase	111.2"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp @ 6300 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/32 MPG	25/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/489.6 mi.	435.0/609.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	5
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	55.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/40R H	245/40R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

What is the primary difference in body style and cargo space between these two models?

The 2025 Audi A5 is offered as a hatchback providing a substantial 21.8 cu ft of cargo room. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a sedan configuration, limiting cargo capacity to just 11.6 cu ft.

How do the drivetrains and fuel economy compare for daily commuting?

The C-Class uses a rear-wheel-drive setup with a 9-speed automatic, yielding 29 combined MPG (25 city). The A5 features all-wheel-drive and a 7-speed transmission, resulting in slightly lower efficiency at 26 combined MPG (23 city).

Which vehicle offers better raw power based on the provided specifications?

The Audi A5 technically leads in horsepower with 261 hp compared to the C-Class's 255 hp. However, the C-Class generates significantly more torque, putting down 295 lb-ft against the A5's 273 lb-ft.

Are the MSRPs close enough to make the purchase decision based on features alone?

Yes, the MSRPs are nearly identical; the A5 starts at $48,400 while the C-Class is listed at $48,450. This small $50 difference means buyers should strongly weigh the 10.2 cu ft cargo difference for value assessment.

What is the physical size difference between the two luxury vehicles?

Both vehicles are nearly the same length (187.2 in for A5, 187.0 in for C-Class). However, the C-Class is notably taller at 56.6 inches compared to the A5's 54.6 inches, and the C-Class is 1.8 inches wider.

Do both cars use the same fuel requirement?

Both the 2025 Audi A5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class specify premium unleaded fuel. Audi recommends this fuel type, while Mercedes-Benz strictly requires it for operation.