Compare the2022 Audi RS 5 SportbackVS 2021 Mercedes AMG CLS

The Audi RS 5 Sportback has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The RS 5 Sportback has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the RS 5 Sportback’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The RS 5 Sportback’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG CLS.

Both the RS 5 Sportback and the AMG CLS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The RS 5 Sportback’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG CLS’ (12 vs. 5 years).

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 6 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The RS 5 Sportback’s 2.9 turbo V6 produces 15 more horsepower (444 vs. 429) and 58 lbs.-ft. more torque (442 vs. 384) than the AMG CLS’ 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

For better stopping power the RS 5 Sportback’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG CLS:

The RS 5 Sportback offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the RS 5 Sportback has larger standard tires than the AMG CLS (265/35R19 vs. 245/40R19). The RS 5 Sportback’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG CLS (275/30R20 vs. 245/40R19).

The RS 5 Sportback’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG CLS’ standard 40 series front tires. The RS 5 Sportback’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the AMG CLS’ optional 35 series front tires.

For better maneuverability, the RS 5 Sportback’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the AMG CLS’ (38.4 feet vs. 39 feet).

The Audi RS 5 Sportback may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG CLS.

The RS 5 Sportback is 10.8 inches shorter than the AMG CLS, making the RS 5 Sportback easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the RS 5 Sportback a Mid-size car, while the AMG CLS is rated a Compact.

The RS 5 Sportback has 2.5 inches more front headroom, 1.1 inches more rear headroom and .1 inches more rear legroom than the AMG CLS.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RS 5 Sportback has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer headlight washers.