Compare the2023 Mercedes AMG C-Class CoupeVS 2023 Audi S5

Using vehicle speed sensors, smart airbags in the AMG C-Class Coupe deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The AMG C-Class Coupe’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The S5’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The AMG C-Class Coupe has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the S5’s blind spot costs extra.

The AMG C-Class Coupe’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The S5 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the AMG C-Class Coupe and the S5 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, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

There are over 25 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the AMG C-Class Coupe’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 50 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 37 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

The AMG C-Class Coupe’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 36 more horsepower (385 vs. 349) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (384 vs. 369) than the S5’s 3.0 turbo V6.

The AMG C-Class Coupe has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the S5 (17.4 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the S5.

For better stopping power the AMG C-Class Coupe’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the S5:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the AMG C-Class Coupe can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The S5 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The AMG C-Class Coupe’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The S5 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the AMG C-Class Coupe’s wheelbase is 3 inches longer than on the S5 (111.8 inches vs. 108.8 inches).

The design of the Mercedes AMG C-Class Coupe amounts to more than styling. The AMG C-Class Coupe has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .3 Cd. That is lower than the S5 (.31 to .32). A more efficient exterior helps the AMG C-Class Coupe go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the AMG C-Class Coupe get better fuel mileage.

The AMG C-Class Coupe has 1.4 inches more front headroom, .7 inches more front legroom, 1.5 inches more rear headroom and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the S5 Coupe.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the AMG C-Class Coupe has a standard power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The S5 doesn’t offer a power trunk, so its trunk has to be closed manually.

The AMG C-Class Coupe has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The S5 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the S5, the AMG C-Class Coupe has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The AMG C-Class Coupe’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S5 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The AMG C-Class Coupe’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The S5’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The AMG C-Class Coupe’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The S5 Prestige’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

The Mercedes C-Class outsold the Audi A5/S5/RS 5 by 43% during 2022.