2025 Audi RS 5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi RS 5 bursts onto the scene with aggressive performance, boasting 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque channeled through its Quattro all-wheel drive system, offering blistering capability in a sleek hatchback package starting at $79,900. Contrast this with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which emphasizes refined luxury and efficiency; its 255 horsepower output delivers smooth cruising, reflected in its impressive 28 MPG combined efficiency, all while carrying a significantly lower MSRP of $62,450. The RS 5 packs a massive 189 hp advantage, yet this power comes at the cost of efficiency, netting only 20 MPG combined versus the E-Class’s 28 MPG. Furthermore, the larger E-Class sedan (194.9 inches long) provides slightly less primary storage than the RS 5 hatchback's 21.8 cu ft, making the Audi surprisingly practical despite its performance focus.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the RS 5's 20 MPG.
2025 Audi RS 5
The Audi RS 5’s hatchback design offers substantially more cargo space at 21.8 cu ft compared to the E-Class sedan's 12.7 cu ft.
2025 Audi RS 5
The Audi RS 5 is the clear choice for performance seekers, delivering a thrilling 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers excellent premium transport for $17,450 less than the RS 5, providing a far better overall value proposition.
Choose the Audi RS 5 if...
- You demand explosive acceleration supported by 444 horsepower from a performance-tuned engine.
- All-weather confidence and handling grip are paramount due to its standard all-wheel drive system.
- You prioritize hatchback versatility, needing the 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity for gear or luggage.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if...
- Keeping running costs down with an 8 MPG combined fuel economy advantage (28 MPG vs 20 MPG) is a priority.
- Your budget is tighter, as the E-Class saves you $17,450 compared to the RS 5's $79,900 MSRP.
- You prefer the classic dynamics and road feel of a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi RS 5 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.3" | 194.9" |
| Width | 73.5" | 74.0" |
| Height | 55.1" | 57.9" |
| Wheelbase | 111.3" | 116.6" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable 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 | rear wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/25 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 275.4/382.5 mi. | 435.0/574.2 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Bang & Olufsen | — |
| Stereo Power | 755W | — |
| Speaker System | 19 | 6 |
| Surround Audio | 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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. | 37.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 57.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.0 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.1 in. | 36.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 57.1 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 | 225/55R18 |
| 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 E-Class.
What is the primary trade-off when choosing the Audi RS 5 over the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The main trade-off is financial and efficiency-related; the RS 5 demands $17,450 more upfront and sacrifices significant fuel economy, achieving only 20 combined MPG compared to the E-Class’s 28 MPG.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi RS 5?
The RS 5 is significantly more potent, delivering 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, which represents a substantial 189 hp advantage over the E-Class’s 255 horsepower output.
Which vehicle is better suited for maximizing cargo hauling?
The 2025 Audi RS 5, despite its sporting intentions, wins this contest comfortably by offering 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity as a hatchback, more than the E-Class sedan’s 12.7 cu ft.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi RS 5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class explicitly require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance figures.
What is the fundamental difference in their drivetrain setups?
The Audi RS 5 features an all-wheel drive system for superior traction management paired with an 8-speed automatic, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses a traditional rear-wheel drive setup with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Is the E-Class a much larger vehicle than the RS 5?
The E-Class is noticeably longer and taller, measuring 194.9 inches in length compared to the RS 5’s 188.3 inches, though the Audi is slightly narrower at 73.5 inches.
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