Audi S5 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Audi S5 starts from $99,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class opens at $76,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the more affordable entry point by $23,000.

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 $109,890 and $84,590 respectively.

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

Both the Audi S5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi S5 and 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi S5, against 6 on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi S5 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The Audi S5 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi S5 stands out with ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with wireless charging and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi S5 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi S5 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The Audi S5 uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Audi S5 has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi S5 is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi S5 measures 4,829mm long on a 2,892mm wheelbase, 78mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 4,751mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi S5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 445L in the Audi S5 and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 10L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz C-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 $2,024/year for the Audi S5 and $1,967/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi S5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Both match on warranty length.