Compare the2022 Audi S5VS 2021 Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe

The S5’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The S5 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 C-Class Coupe 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.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the S5. But it costs extra on the AMG C-Class Coupe.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the S5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The S5’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 C-Class Coupe.

Both the S5 and the AMG C-Class Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, 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 all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and its standard front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the S5 the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 205 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG C-Class Coupe has not been tested, yet.

The S5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG C-Class Coupe’s (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 Coupe gets better mileage than the AMG C-Class Coupe:

Regenerative brakes improve the S5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

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

The S5 stops shorter than the AMG C-Class Coupe:

For better traction, the S5 has larger standard tires than the AMG C-Class Coupe (255/35R19 vs. 225/45R18). The S5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG C-Class Coupe (265/30R20 vs. 255/40R18).

The S5’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 C 43 Coupe’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires. The S5’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the AMG C 63 S Coupe’s optional 35 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the S5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the AMG C 63 Coupe. The S5’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels optional on the AMG C 63 S Coupe.

The S5 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 C-Class Coupe; 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 C-Class Coupe don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The S5 Coupe has 4.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG C-Class Coupe (84 vs. 79.3).

The S5 Coupe has .5 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear headroom and .7 inches more rear legroom than the AMG C-Class Coupe.

The S5 Coupe has a larger trunk than the AMG C-Class Coupe (10.9 vs. 10.5 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the S5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the S5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

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 has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer headlight washers.

On extremely cold winter days, the S5’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The AMG C-Class Coupe doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The S5 has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the AMG C-Class Coupe.