Compare the2024 Audi S5VS 2024 Mercedes CLE

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 CLE.

Both the S5 and the CLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, 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 and rear cross-path warning.

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

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 10 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The S5’s 3.0 turbo V6 produces 94 more horsepower (349 vs. 255) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 295) than the CLE 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Audi S5 uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The CLE requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the S5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the CLE.

The Audi S5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 550 pounds less than the Mercedes CLE.

The S5 is 6.1 inches shorter than the CLE, making the S5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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 CLE’s LED headlights. Laser headlights can have double the range of LEDs with a much smaller surface area.

The Audi S5 comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback body styles; the Mercedes CLE isn’t available as a four-door.