Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. Audi A5
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A5 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 Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Audi A5.
In comparing the Mercedes-Benz CLA's and the Audi A5's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. The Audi A5 has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLA's and the Audi A5's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is a better car than the Audi A5.
Pricing: A used 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA ranges from $36,888 to $54,096 while a used 2025 Audi A5 is priced between $49,391 to $58,675. For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz CLA's price is between $45,500 and $69,572, with the Audi A5 priced between $53,155 and $59,472.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 47.1 percent of its value and the Audi A5 loses 52.5 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 5.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A5.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLA is 7.9 out of 10 while the Audi A5's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz CLA being ranked 12 out of 35 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Audi A5 being ranked 8 out of 35.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLA is 7.7 out of 10. For the Audi A5 the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Audi A5 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz CLA’s base engine makes 221 horsepower, and the Audi A5 base engine makes 268 horsepower. The CLA is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 486 miles. The A5 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLA the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Audi A5. Both models use premium unleaded.
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
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
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:
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:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
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
Mercedes-Benz CLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Audi A5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
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
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:
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
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
Mercedes-Benz CLA Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 35Ranking
7 out of / 35Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 35Ranking
12 out of / 35Ranking
16 out of / 35Ranking
18 out of / 35Ranking
21 out of / 35Ranking
23 out of / 35Audi A5 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 35Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 35Ranking
3 out of / 35Ranking
5 out of / 35Ranking
5 out of / 35Ranking
7 out of / 35Ranking
8 out of / 35Ranking
13 out of / 35Ranking
14 out of / 35Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
25 out of / 35Ranking
26 out of / 35Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz CLA Trim Levels
AMG CLA 35, AMG CLA 45 S, CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC
Audi A5 Trim Levels
quattro Premium Plus TFSI, quattro Premium TFSI, quattro Prestige TFSI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
268 hp
Torque:
295 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
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
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
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
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
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
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
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
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
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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
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
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
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18XL
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
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
Polar White
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
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Pearl Beige w/ Gray Stitching
Black
Black w/ Gray Stitching
Brown
Muscat Brown w/ Gray Stitching
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
