2025 Audi A5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$48,400 · Hatchback

$49,650 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A5 bursts onto the scene with its Quattro AWD grip and a punchy 261 hp, showcasing practicality as a versatile hatchback with 21.8 cu ft of cargo space. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers refined luxury, leveraging a required premium fuel setup to extract superior efficiency, boasting 29 combined MPG compared to the Audi's 26. While the Audi sprints with 273 lb-ft of torque, the Mercedes counters with a broader 295 lb-ft twist, sent through a sophisticated 9-speed automatic. The A5, at 187.2 inches long, leans into utility, while the slightly taller C-Class emphasizes a traditional sedan profile, making the choice a balance between Audi’s accessible AWD performance and Mercedes’ superior fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the commuter champion due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Audi A5's 26.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A5

The 2025 Audi A5 wins for families by offering more than double the cargo capacity at 21.8 cu ft compared to the C-Class's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A5

Enthusiasts will prefer the Audi A5 for its higher horsepower rating of 261 hp and standard all-wheel drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A5

The Audi A5 offers a higher output (261 hp vs 255 hp) for a lower starting MSRP of $48,400.

Choose the Audi A5 if...

You prioritize cargo versatility, as the hatchback design provides 21.8 cu ft of space.
You need maximum traction in varied weather conditions because of the standard all-wheel drive.
You want the slightly higher peak horsepower rating of 261 hp paired with a lower entry price of $48,400.

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

Maximum fuel efficiency is critical, highlighted by its 35 highway MPG rating.
You prefer the traditional feel and driving dynamics associated with a rear-wheel drive setup.
You desire the segment-leading torque figure of 295 lb-ft for in-gear acceleration.

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Which vehicle is faster in a straight line based on torque and horsepower?

The 2025 Audi A5 boasts slightly higher horsepower at 261 hp compared to the C-Class's 255 hp. However, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with superior torque output at 295 lb-ft versus the Audi's 273 lb-ft.

How do the body styles impact usability between these two German rivals?

The Audi A5 is a hatchback, providing a massive 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, making it inherently more flexible for hauling larger items. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a sedan, limiting its utility to a smaller 11.6 cu ft space.

Is there a significant difference in driving dynamics based on the standard drive type?

Yes, the Audi A5 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), favoring stability and traction in adverse conditions. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class utilizes a traditional rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup, often preferred by driving enthusiasts for balanced handling.

What is the fuel economy trade-off between the two models?

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is noticeably more efficient, achieving 29 combined MPG (25 city/35 highway). The Audi A5 lags slightly behind with 26 combined MPG (23 city/32 highway).

How do their MSRPs and required fuel grades compare?

The 2025 Audi A5 has a slightly lower starting MSRP of $48,400 and only recommends premium unleaded fuel. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts higher at $49,650 and strictly requires premium unleaded fuel for operation.

Which car offers a more advanced transmission system?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing one more gear ratio than the Audi A5's 7-speed automated manual, which could lead to smoother cruising.