Audi A5 Sportback vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A5 Sportback 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 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
In comparing the Audi A5 Sportback's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the Audi A5 Sportback has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi A5 Sportback's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a better car than the Audi A5 Sportback.
Pricing: A used 2024 Audi A5 Sportback ranges from $44,580 to $57,970 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is priced between $65,304 to $81,067. For a new model, the Audi A5 Sportback's price is between $49,896 and $60,884, with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class priced between $65,777 and $85,321.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A5 Sportback loses 49.8 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses 51.9 percent of its value. This means the Audi A5 Sportback retains 2.2 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 Sportback is 7.9 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Audi A5 Sportback being ranked 11 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class being ranked 4 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A5 Sportback is 6.2 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class an advantage in reliability compared to the Audi A5 Sportback.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A5 Sportback’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class base engine makes 255 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Audi A5 Sportback, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Audi A5 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$49,896 - $60,884
Starting MSRP:
$46,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$65,777 - $85,321
Starting MSRP:
$62,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$49,697
Price Range:
$44,580 - $57,970
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
678
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,629
# Good or Great Deals:
120
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$72,388
Price Range:
$65,304 - $81,067
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
482
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
2,609
# Good or Great Deals:
66
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$23,511
Depreciation %:
50.9%
Resale Value $:
$22,689
Residual Value %:
49.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$32,890
Depreciation %:
52.8%
Resale Value $:
$29,410
Residual Value %:
47.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
Audi A5 Sportback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
6.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A5 Sportback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8.5 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
Audi A5 Sportback Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
26 out of / 36Ranking
28 out of / 36Ranking
28 out of / 36Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan, Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi A5 Sportback Trim Levels
quattro Premium 40 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 40 TFSI, quattro Prestige 40 TFSI, quattro S line Prem Plus 45 TFSI, quattro S line Premium 45 TFSI, quattro S line Prestige 45 TFSI
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Trim Levels
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
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:
201 hp @ 4475 rpm
Torque:
236 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 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):
26 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
398 / 536 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:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
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
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
21.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
91.0 cubic feet
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:
19.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
100.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3726 lbs
Width:
79.9 inches
Height:
54.6 inches
Length:
187.2 inches
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4189 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 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Manhattan Gray Metallic
Green
District Green Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Brown
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey
Green
Not available
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Verde Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Brown
Sonoran Brown Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Cardinal Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Atlas Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Okapi Brown
Gray
Rock Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Black
Black
Black
Brown
Tonka Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey/Black
