2025 Audi S5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the nimble 2025 Audi S5 Hatchback and the refined 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan is tough, especially when comparing pure performance against practicality. The core dilemma boils down to whether you prioritize driving excitement or long-term efficiency and space. The Audi S5 packs a significant punch with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making its 20 City MPG a reasonable trade-off for accessible, brisk performance starting at an MSRP of $57,900. Conversely, the E-Class commands a $4,550 higher entry price at $62,450 and relies on 255 hp, but it rewards daily driving with a better combined MPG of 28. Furthermore, the S5’s hatchback body grants it a substantially larger 21.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the E-Class Sedan’s 12.7 cu ft, tilting the scales toward versatility for the Audi.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers better fuel economy with 28 combined MPG versus the Audi S5's 23, reducing weekly running costs.
2025 Audi S5
The Audi S5 hatchback provides significantly more utility with 21.8 cu ft of cargo space, easily accommodating more family gear than the E-Class Sedan's 12.7 cu ft.
2025 Audi S5
The Audi S5 delivers significantly more performance hardware with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the E-Class's 255 hp.
2025 Audi S5
The Audi S5 costs $4,550 less while offering substantially more power and superior cargo capacity.
Choose the Audi S5 if...
- You crave spirited driving, thanks to the S5's 349 hp and 369 lb-ft torque figures.
- You need maximum utility from a compact luxury vehicle, as the Hatchback offers 21.8 cu ft of cargo room.
- You prefer saving $4,550 upfront, given the S5's lower $57,900 MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the E-Class achieves 5 MPG better combined (28 MPG) than the S5.
- You prefer the size and stature of a traditional sedan body, as the E-Class is over 7 inches longer.
- You want the smoother, more traditional luxury experience associated with a rear-wheel-drive setup and a 9-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S5 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 194.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | 74.0" |
| Height | 54.6" | 57.9" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable 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 | 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) | 20/29 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 306.0/443.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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: 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 225/55R18 |
| 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 E-Class.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class than the Audi S5?
The E-Class sedan is notably more efficient, achieving 28 combined MPG compared to the S5's 23 combined MPG. This 5 MPG advantage translates to fewer stops at the premium unleaded pump for E-Class owners.
Is the 2025 Audi S5 fast enough to matter against the E-Class?
Yes, the S5 is significantly punchier, boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque versus the E-Class’s 255 hp. This nearly 95 hp difference means the S5 will feel noticeably quicker during acceleration.
Which vehicle is better for hauling luggage or supplies?
The 2025 Audi S5 hatchback is the clear winner here, offering 21.8 cu ft of cargo volume. The E-Class Sedan is quite restricted, offering only 12.7 cu ft, making the S5 much more practical for large items.
What is the main cost difference between these two luxury vehicles?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an MSRP that is $4,550 higher than the 2025 Audi S5; the E-Class starts at $62,450 while the S5 starts at $57,900.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Yes, both vehicles require premium fuel for optimal performance. The Audi S5 lists premium as 'recommended,' while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class lists it as 'required.'
How do the driving dynamics differ based on drivetrain?
The Audi S5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced traction in various conditions, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class utilizes a traditional Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) setup.
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