Compare the2024 Audi S5VS 2023 Mercedes AMG SL

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the S5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The AMG SL 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 and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the AMG SL.

Both the S5 and the AMG SL 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 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 standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the S5 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG SL has not been tested, yet.

The S5’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG SL’s (12 vs. 5 years).

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 18 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

On the EPA test cycle the S5 Cabriolet gets better mileage than the AMG SL:

Regenerative brakes improve the S5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The AMG SL 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 SL requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

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 SL’s standard 40 series front tires. The S5’s optional tires have a lower 30 series profile than the AMG SL’s optional 35 series front 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 SL; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the S5’s wheelbase is 2.5 inches longer than on the AMG SL (108.8 inches vs. 106.3 inches).

For better maneuverability, the S5’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the AMG SL’s (37.7 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The Audi S5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 450 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG SL.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the S5 Cabriolet a Subcompact car, while the AMG SL is rated a Minicompact.

The S5 Cabriolet has 5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG SL (81 vs. 76).

The S5 Cabriolet has a larger trunk with its top up than the AMG SL with its top up (9.3 vs. 8.5 cubic feet).

The S5’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The AMG SL doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Audi service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 16% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

Laser headlights, standard on the S5 Prestige, produce their light by firing blue lasers through phosphorus, a process that uses one-half the power of the AMG SL’s LED headlights. Laser headlights can have double the range of LEDs with a much smaller surface area.

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 SL doesn’t offer headlight washers.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the S5 has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The AMG SL doesn’t offer rear vents.

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

The Audi A5/S5/RS 5 outsold the Mercedes SL by over 9 to one during 2022.