2025 Audi S5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$57,900 · Hatchback

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi S5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE lies in performance output, with the S5 boasting 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the CLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. This 94 hp disparity heavily favors the Audi for performance-oriented drivers. Conversely, the CLE offers superior fuel economy, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating versus the S5's 23 MPG combined. Although the S5 is slightly cheaper at an MSRP of $57,900 compared to the CLE's $59,550, the Audi’s practicality shines through with 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity—nearly double the CLE's 11.2 cu ft—stemming from its hatchback configuration. Both models feature All-Wheel Drive, but the Audi is marginally smaller in exterior dimensions.

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 fuel economy of 27 MPG versus the Audi S5's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi S5

The 2025 Audi S5 is better suited for utility due to its 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, vastly outclassing the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S5

Enthusiasts will prefer the Audi S5 because it offers 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, substantially more power than the CLE's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi S5

The Audi S5 presents better functional value, offering significantly more power and double the cargo space for a lower starting MSRP of $57,900.

Choose the Audi S5 if...

You prioritize peak performance, benefiting from the 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You require substantial cargo room, as the hatchback provides 21.8 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly lower entry cost at an MSRP of $57,900.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, indicated by the 27 MPG combined rating.
You desire the smoother shifting provided by the 9-speed automatic transmission over the S5's 8-speed.
You prefer the style and larger exterior dimensions of a coupe body style (191.0 inches long).

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi S5 compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The Audi S5 has a significant advantage in power, producing 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This is exactly 94 horsepower more than the Mercedes-Benz CLE, which is rated at 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle offers better day-to-day efficiency?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the more efficient choice, achieving 27 MPG combined (24 city/33 highway). The Audi S5 trails slightly with a 23 MPG combined rating (20 city/29 highway).

Is the Audi S5 or the Mercedes-Benz CLE more practical for carrying luggage?

The Audi S5 is significantly more practical due to its hatchback body style, offering 21.8 cu ft of cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe format limits its storage to only 11.2 cu ft.

What is the price difference between these two models?

The 2025 Audi S5 has a starting MSRP of $57,900, making it $1,650 cheaper than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE, which starts at $59,550.

Are the drivetrains functionally different despite both having AWD?

Yes, while both utilize All-Wheel Drive, the Audi S5 pairs its powertrain with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLE utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic, potentially affecting shift smoothness and ratio spread.

Which car has a larger exterior footprint?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is physically larger overall, measuring 191.0 inches long, 73.3 inches wide, and 56.2 inches high. The Audi S5 is more compact at 187.2 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, and 54.6 inches high.