2025 Audi S5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$57,900 · Hatchback

$58,000 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi S5 Hatchback and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe often boils down to performance versus efficiency in a stylish package. The common dilemma centers on whether to prioritize raw driving engagement or everyday running costs in this premium segment. The S5 clearly leads in power, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, easily outgunning the CLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. However, this comes at the expense of fuel economy; the S5 achieves a combined 23 MPG, while the CLE manages 27 MPG combined. Furthermore, the S5 offers significantly more utility with 21.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft. While both carry similar starting prices around $58,000, the 94 hp advantage for the Audi suggests a sharper driving experience, balanced against the Mercedes' superior efficiency and slightly larger footprint (191.0 inches long).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG rating of 27 versus the S5's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi S5

The Audi S5 is better suited for families thanks to its significantly larger 21.8 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S5

The Audi S5 is the choice for enthusiasts, offering a substantial advantage of 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE offers better value by providing 4 more miles per gallon combined efficiency for almost the same MSRP.

Choose the Audi S5 if...

You prioritize maximum acceleration, benefiting from the Audi S5's 349 hp output.
You need practical utility, as the S5 offers 21.8 cu ft of cargo space in its hatchback configuration.
You prefer the Audi's blend of power and all-wheel drive with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Fuel economy is critical, as the CLE delivers a 27 MPG combined rating versus the S5's 23 MPG.
You want the newer 9-speed automatic transmission for smoother highway cruising.
You don't mind sacrificing power and cargo room for better efficiency, as the CLE requires premium fuel but sips it more slowly.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S5	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	187.2"	191.0"
Width	72.6"	73.3"
Height	54.6"	56.2"
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 Preparation System	✓	✓
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 Integrated Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	349 hp @ 6300 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 3200 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
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	306.0/443.7 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
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 Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
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	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	✓	245/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 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 S5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi S5 compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The Audi S5 has a significant power advantage, putting out 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is 94 hp more than the Mercedes-Benz CLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance driving in terms of fuel costs?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE is better for long-distance driving efficiency, rated at 27 MPG combined, while the S5 trails slightly at 23 MPG combined.

Does the body style significantly impact practicality between these two models?

Yes, the Audi S5 is a hatchback offering 21.8 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLE is a coupe with only 11.2 cu ft, making the S5 much more versatile.

Are both cars all-wheel drive, and what transmissions do they use?

Both vehicles come equipped with all-wheel drive systems. The Audi S5 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic.