2025 Audi S5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$57,900 · Hatchback

$63,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Audi S5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lies in performance metrics, with the S5 boasting 349 hp compared to the E-Class's 255 hp, a substantial 94 horsepower advantage. This performance disparity is reflected in the $57,900 MSRP of the S5 versus the E-Class's $63,900 sticker price, a $6,000 cost differential. Fuel economy favors the E-Class significantly, achieving a combined 28 MPG versus the S5's 23 MPG. Furthermore, the Audi, despite being smaller at 187.2 inches long, offers superior utility with 21.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft. While the Audi utilizes AWD, the E-Class is RWD, a factor relevant to driving dynamics and traction in varied conditions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is superior for commuting due to its higher 28 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi S5

The 2025 Audi S5 provides 21.8 cu ft of cargo space, significantly exceeding the E-Class's 12.7 cu ft capacity for practical needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S5

The Audi S5 generates 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, substantially surpassing the E-Class's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi S5

The Audi S5 offers superior performance metrics for $6,000 less than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Choose the Audi S5 if...

Maximum straight-line power is the priority, as the S5 produces 349 hp.
A higher level of everyday usability and cargo hauling is required, given its 21.8 cu ft capacity.
A lower initial purchase price of $57,900 is desired over the E-Class's $63,900 MSRP.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, evidenced by the E-Class achieving 28 MPG combined.
A more traditional sedan profile and longer overall length (194.9 inches) are preferred.
The traction benefits of Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) combined with a 9-speed transmission are more appealing than AWD.

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Audi S5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The Audi S5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) system paired with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class than the Audi S5?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an MSRP of $63,900, making it exactly $6,000 more expensive than the 2025 Audi S5, which starts at $57,900.

Which vehicle offers better long-distance fuel economy?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers superior highway fuel economy at 33 MPG compared to the Audi S5's 29 MPG highway rating. This results in a 5 MPG advantage in the combined cycle (28 MPG vs 23 MPG).

Is the Audi S5 body style substantially different from the E-Class?

Yes, the Audi S5 is classified as a Hatchback, whereas the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a Sedan. Additionally, the E-Class is significantly larger overall, measuring 194.9 inches in length compared to the S5's 187.2 inches.

If cargo space is critical, which vehicle should I choose?

The 2025 Audi S5 is the clear choice for cargo utility, offering 21.8 cubic feet of storage space. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan offers considerably less, measuring only 12.7 cubic feet.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Audi S5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class require premium unleaded gasoline for operation; however, the specification lists the Audi as 'recommended' while the Mercedes lists it as 'required'.