Compare the2022 Audi S5 SportbackVS 2021 Mercedes AMG CLS

The Audi S5 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 S5 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 S5 Sportback’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The S5 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 S5 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.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the S5 Sportback the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG CLS has not been tested, yet.

The S5 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.

On the EPA test cycle the S5 Sportback gets better fuel mileage than the AMG CLS 53 (21 city/30 hwy vs. 21 city/26 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Audi S5 Sportback uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The AMG CLS requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The S5 Sportback stops much shorter than the AMG CLS:

For better traction, the S5 Sportback has larger standard tires than the AMG CLS (255/35R19 vs. 245/40R19). The S5 Sportback’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG CLS (265/30R20 vs. 245/40R19).

The S5 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 S5 Sportback’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the AMG CLS’ optional 35 series front tires.

The S5 Sportback has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the AMG CLS; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the AMG CLS don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The S5 Sportback Prestige handles at .93 G’s, while the AMG CLS 53 pulls only .90 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The S5 Sportback Prestige executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the AMG CLS 53 (25 seconds @ .76 average G’s vs. 25.4 seconds @ .74 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the S5 Sportback’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the AMG CLS’ (38.4 feet vs. 39 feet).

The Audi S5 Sportback may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG CLS.

The S5 Sportback is 11.8 inches shorter than the AMG CLS, making the S5 Sportback easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the S5 Sportback a Mid-size car, while the AMG CLS is rated a Compact.

The S5 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 S5 Sportback has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The AMG CLS doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Audi S5 comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the Mercedes AMG CLS isn’t available as a coupe or convertible.