VS
At a Glance
Power
261hp @ 6300
443hp @ 5800
Torque
273lb-ft @ 4200
413lb-ft @ 2200
Fuel
27 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz Cle Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi A5 delivers 261hp @ 6300 while the Mercedes-Benz Cle Class produces 443hp @ 5800. On fuel, the A5 returns 27 mpg est. while the Cle Class uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $52,200 for the A5 and $59,550 for the Cle Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi A5Premium Plus 45 TFSI quattro 2022 - From $52,200
Mercedes-Benz Cle ClassAMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet 2026 - From $59,550
Performance
Power Output (hp)
261hp @ 6300
443hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
273lb-ft @ 4200
413lb-ft @ 2200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Hybrid
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23mpg
20 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.3gal
17.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
184.9in
191in
Width (in)
72.7in
74.2in
Height (in)
54.5in
56.5in
Wheelbase (in)
108.8in
112.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4045lbs
4597lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Cle Class
Fuel Economy
A5
Value
A5
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi A5
Better fuel economy (27 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($52,200)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz Cle Class
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A5 or Cle Class?
The A5 gets 27 mpg est. and the Cle Class gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The A5 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A5 or Cle Class?
The A5 produces 261hp @ 6300 and 273lb-ft @ 4200 of torque while the Cle Class delivers 443hp @ 5800 and 413lb-ft @ 2200 of torque. The Cle Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A5 and Cle Class?
The A5 starts from $52,200 and the Cle Class from $59,550. The A5 is cheaper by $7,350 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the A5 or the Cle Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider