Audi A5 vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
When comparing the Audi A5's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the Audi A5 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Audi A5's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the Audi A5 is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Pricing: A used 2025 Audi A5 ranges from $49,391 to $58,675 while a used 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is priced between $56,882 to $77,353. For a new model, the Audi A5's price is between $53,155 and $59,472, with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class priced between $64,852 and $86,269.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A5 loses 52.5 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses 56.9 percent of its value. This means the Audi A5 retains 4.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A5 is 7.7 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Audi A5 being ranked 9 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class being ranked 2 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A5 is 7.8 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi A5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A5’s base engine makes 268 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class base engine makes 255 horsepower. The A5 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles. The E-Class is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Audi A5. Both models use premium unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
53155 - 59472
Starting MSRP:
49700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
49451
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33000 - 79900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
64852 - 86269
Starting MSRP:
62450
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
79467
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
42140 - 200195
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
55534
Price Range:
49391 - 58675
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
51959
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
34107 - 95081
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
65349
Price Range:
56882 - 77353
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
80683
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
43661 - 144992
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
26242
Depreciation %:
0.52800586
Resale Value $:
23458
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.51356376
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.34749831 - 0.55942423
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.49394848
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.39819597 - 0.61156182
Audi A5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A5
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
11.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
9.5 - 20.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
16.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
13.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
9.4 - 22.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.214
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.9952336161408148
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.5 - 10.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.8652652095988045
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
3.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
1.5 - 35.8
Audi A5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 36Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 24Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 24Ranking
15 out of / 24Ranking
15 out of / 24Ranking
18 out of / 24Ranking
21 out of / 24Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan, Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Audi A5 Trim Levels
quattro Premium Plus TFSI, quattro Premium TFSI, quattro Prestige TFSI
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Trim Levels
E 350, E 350 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
268 hp
Torque:
295 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 31 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
326 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 33 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
435 / 574 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
22.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
100.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4090 lbs
Width:
82.6 inches
Height:
57 inches
Length:
190.1 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4134 lbs
Width:
81.3 inches
Height:
57.9 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
116.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18XL
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Firmament Blue Metallic / Horizon Blue Metallic
Gray
Chronos Gray Metallic
Red
Grenadine Red Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Brown
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Verde Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Brown
Sonoran Brown Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Pearl Beige w/ Gray Stitching
Black
Black w/ Gray Stitching
Brown
Muscat Brown w/ Gray Stitching
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Black
Black
Black
Brown
Tonka Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey/Black
