Compare the2022 Audi S5VS 2021 Mercedes AMG S-Class Cabriolet

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 S-Class Cabriolet 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’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The AMG S-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the S5 and the AMG S-Class Cabriolet 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, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, 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 S-Class Cabriolet has not been tested, yet.

The S5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG S-Class Cabriolet’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 Cabriolet gets better fuel mileage than the AMG S 63 Cabriolet (21 city/28 hwy vs. 14 city/24 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the S5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The AMG S-Class Cabriolet 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 S-Class Cabriolet requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

For better traction, the S5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the AMG S-Class Cabriolet (265/30R20 vs. 255/40R20).

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 S-Class Cabriolet’s standard 40 series front tires. The S5’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the AMG S-Class Cabriolet’s 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

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 S-Class Cabriolet; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the S5’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the AMG S-Class Cabriolet’s (37.7 feet vs. 39 feet).

The Audi S5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 950 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG S-Class Cabriolet.

The S5 is 1 foot, 2 inches shorter than the AMG S-Class Cabriolet, making the S5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The S5’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The AMG S-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer folding rear seats, only a ski pass-through.

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 S-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Audi A5/S5/RS 5 outsold the Mercedes S-Class by 73% during the 2021 model year.