Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Audi A5
From $79,900
Sedan
4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging
150kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
400L
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
From $104,900
Coupe
Petrol
150kW
7.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
385L
Price Breakdown
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.
Safety Rundown
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.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class gets a 11.9-inch display. 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.
Drivetrain
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 8 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A5 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A5 measures 4,762mm long on a 2,821mm wheelbase, 88mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the Audi A5 and 385L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, giving the Audi A5 a 15L 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Audi A5 and $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Audi A5.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Audi A5) vs $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The Audi A5 saves you roughly $171 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.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A5 takes 4 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi A5 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The Audi A5 is the cheapest at $79,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $25,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A5 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi A5 has the largest boot at 400L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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