Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A5

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from $76,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi A5 opens at $79,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the more affordable entry point by $3,000.

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 $84,590 and $87,890 respectively.

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

Both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 87% for the Audi A5.

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 6 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

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

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Audi A5 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

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

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

The Audi A5 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 150kW and 340Nm, paired to a s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.4 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 C-Class is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures 4,751mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 11mm shorter than the Audi A5 at 4,762mm (2,821mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 400L in the Audi A5, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 55L advantage.

For towing, the Audi A5 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 $1,910/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and $1,767/year for the Audi A5. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Audi A5.

Estimated annual total: $1,910 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs $1,767 (Audi A5). The Audi A5 saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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