Audi S5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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 S5
From $99,900
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol MHEV
270kW
7.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
445L
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
From $66,500
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
100kW
5.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
405L
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: we're still completing kerb weight, ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi S5 starts from $99,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class opens at $66,500. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the more affordable entry point by $33,400.
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 $73,150 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $2,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi S5 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi S5 and 94% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi S5, against 7 on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-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 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi S5 stands out with head-up display, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 CLA-Class responds with a Petrol making 100kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds.
The Audi S5 has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 100kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi S5 is 4.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi S5 measures 4,829mm long on a 2,892mm wheelbase, 106mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at 4,723mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi S5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 445L in the Audi S5 and 405L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, giving the Audi S5 a 40L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.9 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the Audi S5 and $1,539/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi S5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi S5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi S5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $485 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi S5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi S5 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the cheapest at $66,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi S5 by $33,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Audi S5 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-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 S5 has the largest boot at 445L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi S5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi S5 makes the most power at 270kW. The Audi S5 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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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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