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.
In comparing the Audi S5's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Audi S5 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Audi S5's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: For a new model, the Audi S5's price is between $64,413 and $73,254, with the Mercedes-Benz CLA priced between $44,850 and $62,133.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi S5 loses 43.2 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 41.9 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 1.3 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 8.1 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz CLA's quality rating is 7.4 out of 10. This results in the Audi S5 being ranked 6 out of 41 Best Luxury Sports Cars and the Mercedes-Benz CLA being ranked 17 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi S5 is 8.4 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz CLA the reliability rating is 7.0 out of 10. This gives the Audi S5 an advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi S5’s base engine makes 349 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA base engine makes 221 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz CLA, a subcompact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Audi S5, a sports car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear head room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$64,413 - $73,254
Starting MSRP:
$57,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$102,671
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$46,440 - $273,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,850 - $62,133
Starting MSRP:
$43,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$58,130
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$38,800 - $98,950
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$126,819
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$63,681 - $273,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
222
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
456
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$48,370
Price Range:
$44,617 - $52,783
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$67,794
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$47,250 - $119,964
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$25,178
Depreciation %:
43.8%
Resale Value $:
$32,322
Residual Value %:
56.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
30.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
8.9% - 50.9%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,514
Depreciation %:
42.9%
Resale Value $:
$24,686
Residual Value %:
57.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
42.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
40% - 44%
Audi S5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz CLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi S5
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
12.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
10.1 - 17.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz CLA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
11.1 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.8 - 13.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
2.1 - 10.4
Audi S5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 41Ranking
6 out of / 41Ranking
6 out of / 41Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 41Ranking
22 out of / 41Ranking
23 out of / 41Ranking
36 out of / 41Mercedes-Benz CLA Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi S5 Trim Levels
Not yet available
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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
349 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
369 foot-lbs @ 3200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.091 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):
21 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
321 / 444 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):
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
Massage Seats:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench 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
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
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:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
50.7 inches
Cargo Space:
10.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
84.0 cubic feet
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:
3847 lbs
Width:
79.9 inches
Height:
54 inches
Length:
184.9 inches
Wheelbase:
108.8 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 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/35R19
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
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Chronos Gray Metallic / Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
Green
District Green Metallic
Red
Progressive 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
Green
Not available
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
White
Digital White Metallic / Polar White
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Rotor Gray
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Gray
Titanium Grey/Black
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Brown
Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Red
Classic Red/Black