Audi S5 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi S5 and Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 S5 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
When comparing the Audi S5's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Audi S5 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Audi S5's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is a better car than the Audi S5.
Pricing: For a new model, the Audi S5's price is between $70,482 and $81,535, with the Mercedes-Benz CLA priced between $45,500 and $69,572.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi S5 loses 52.4 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 47.1 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 5.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi S5.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi S5 is 7.5 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz CLA's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Audi S5 being ranked 18 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz CLA being ranked 8 out of 36.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi S5 is 7.4 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz CLA the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi S5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi S5’s base engine makes 362 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA base engine makes 221 horsepower. The S5 is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 414 miles. The CLA is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 486 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLA the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Audi S5. Both models use premium unleaded.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
70482 - 81535
Starting MSRP:
62700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
49451
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33000 - 79900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
45500 - 69572
Starting MSRP:
44400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
59440
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
39600 - 101100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
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:
43740
Price Range:
36888 - 54096
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
47563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
43740 - 51330
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
33140
Depreciation %:
0.52854844
Resale Value $:
29560
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 %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
Audi S5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz CLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi S5
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 CLA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
13.4 - 13.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.09
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2025373723845814
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:
3.9324757262781636
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
3.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
2.1 - 6.6
Audi S5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 36Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
26 out of / 36Ranking
28 out of / 32Mercedes-Benz CLA Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi S5 Trim Levels
quattro Premium Plus TFSI, quattro Premium TFSI, quattro Prestige TFSI
Mercedes-Benz CLA Trim Levels
AMG CLA 35, AMG CLA 45 S, CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC
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):
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
362 hp
Torque:
406 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.084 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 28 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
281 / 414 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:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 36 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
351 / 486 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
Massage Seats:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench 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
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
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
Massage Seats:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
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:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 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:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
89.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4288 lbs
Width:
82.6 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
190.3 inches
Wheelbase:
114 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3494 lbs
Width:
78.7 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
184.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/40R19XL
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Ascari Blue Metallic / Firmament Blue Metallic
Gray
Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
Red
Grenadine Red Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Hyper Blue Metallic / Starling Blue Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
White
Polar White
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/ Gray Stitching
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Brown
Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
