2025 Audi RS 5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$79,900 · Hatchback

$58,000 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi RS 5 explodes onto the scene with track-ready intensity, boasting a formidable 444 hp from its powertrain, making it the ultimate German performance hatch. In stark contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE focuses on sophisticated, efficient style as a sleek coupe, offering an appealing entry point at an MSRP of just $58,000 compared to the RS 5's steep $79,900. Performance fanatics will gravitate to the RS 5's 442 lb-ft of torque, annihilating the CLE's 295 lb-ft, though this power comes at the cost of efficiency; the Audi manages only 20 combined MPG versus the Mercedes' 27 combined MPG. Furthermore, the RS 5 offers substantially more utility with 21.8 cu ft of cargo space, nearly double the 11.2 cu ft available in the longer (191.0 inches) CLE coupe. This comparison pits raw, exhilarating power against accessible, refined cruising.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for daily commuting due to its superior 27 combined MPG, translating to fewer stops at the premium fuel pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 5

The Audi RS 5 offers significantly more utility with 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft, better accommodating family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 5

The Audi RS 5 delivers exhilarating performance with 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, vastly exceeding the CLE’s output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the clear value winner, offering a stylish AWD platform for a massive $21,900 less than the RS 5.

Choose the Audi RS 5 if...

You demand exhilarating acceleration backed by 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
You require practical hatchback utility, boasting 21.8 cubic feet of usable cargo space.
You prefer the responsive handling dynamics typical of Audi's high-performance RS models.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Sticking strictly to the budget is paramount, as the CLE saves you $21,900 off the MSRP.
Prioritizing fuel economy is key, thanks to the CLE’s 33 highway MPG versus the RS 5's 25.
You prefer the timeless aesthetics of a two-door coupe over a performance hatchback body style.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 5	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	188.3"	191.0"
Width	73.5"	73.3"
Height	55.1"	56.2"
Wheelbase	111.3"	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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.9 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	444 hp @ 6700 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	442 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	275.4/382.5 mi.	417.6/574.2 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	755W	710W
Speaker System	19	17
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
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 Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.0 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	34.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 9.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	265/35R19	245/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 RS 5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

What is the primary driving difference between the 2025 Audi RS 5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The RS 5 is built for outright speed, featuring 444 hp, offering a race-inspired thrill. Conversely, the CLE prioritizes smooth, efficient cruising, delivering ample power with 255 hp while achieving better fuel economy.

How significant is the price gap between these two vehicles?

The price difference is substantial; the 2025 Audi RS 5 starts at $79,900, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE is listed at $58,000, creating a $21,900 separation in base MSRP.

Which car is more practical for regular trips and errands?

The Audi RS 5 hatchback body style provides significantly more cargo space at 21.8 cu ft, nearly double the 11.2 cu ft found in the Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel, and how do their efficiencies compare?

Yes, both models require premium unleaded fuel. However, the CLE is far more economical, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the RS 5's 20 combined MPG.

Are the transmissions and drive types comparable on the RS 5 and CLE?

Both utilize All-Wheel Drive and shiftable automatics, but the CLE employs a 9-speed transmission versus the RS 5's 8-speed, offering an extra gear for highway cruising efficiency.

Which vehicle is physically larger, and does this impact performance perception?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is slightly longer at 191.0 inches, but the lighter, more powerful RS 5 (444 hp) will feel significantly quicker and more agile despite being slightly shorter overall.