Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class

The Audi A5 starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class opens at $104,900. That makes the Audi A5 the more affordable entry point by $25,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $87,890 and $115,390 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi A5 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A5 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi A5 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Audi A5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class misses.

The Audi A5 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi A5 stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi A5 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A5 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.

The Audi A5 uses a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi A5 measures 4,829mm long on a 2,892mm wheelbase, 21mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 445L in the Audi A5 and 420L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, giving the Audi A5 a 25L advantage. The Audi A5 seats 5 vs 4.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Audi A5 and $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Audi A5.

Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Audi A5) vs $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The Audi A5 saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). Both match on warranty length.