2025 Audi RS 5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$79,900 · Hatchback

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Choosing between exhilarating performance and everyday sensibility often leaves buyers stuck, especially when comparing high-end German machines like the 2025 Audi RS 5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE. The core conflict here is cost versus sheer capability. The Audi RS 5, starting at a steep $79,900, throws down 444 hp, ready for spirited driving, but it pays for that power with a lower combined MPG of just 20, sucking down premium fuel. Conversely, the CLE comes in significantly cheaper at $59,550 and offers substantially better fuel economy at 27 combined MPG, making its 255 hp feel economical by comparison. While the Audi wins on raw power by a huge 189 hp margin, the CLE's lower running costs and entry price make it a compelling alternative for those who prioritize the budget, despite the RS 5 offering a slightly larger 21.8 cu ft cargo area versus the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 27, which translates to fewer stops at the premium fuel pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS 5

The 2025 Audi RS 5 wins for families because its hatchback body provides nearly double the cargo capacity at 21.8 cu ft compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 5

The 2025 Audi RS 5 is the enthusiast's pick, boasting a dominant 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque versus the CLE's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE offers better overall value, saving buyers $20,350 upfront while delivering a solid 27 MPG.

Choose the Audi RS 5 if...

You demand maximum acceleration and need 444 horsepower at your disposal.
You require practical utility from a performance vehicle, utilizing its 21.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer the stability of the Audi's AWD system paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for aggressive driving.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You want to save $20,350 right off the bat with an MSRP of $59,550.
Your daily drive involves significant highway mileage and you prioritize fuel efficiency (27 combined MPG).
You prefer a slightly longer vehicle (191.0 inches) that manages to be more efficient despite requiring premium fuel.

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How much more powerful is the Audi RS 5 compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The Audi RS 5 has a significant power advantage, delivering 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, which is 189 hp more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE's 255 hp.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE cheaper to run daily than the Audi RS 5?

Yes, the CLE is considerably cheaper to run daily, achieving a combined 27 MPG compared to the RS 5's 20 MPG, a 7 MPG difference on premium fuel.

Which car is better suited for carrying luggage, considering the body styles?

The 2025 Audi RS 5, despite being a hatchback, offers substantially more utility with 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space, almost exactly double the 11.2 cubic feet found in the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe.