Audi A5 F5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C117

Audi A5

F5 · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation A5 (F5), on MLB Evo.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

C117 · 2013 – 2019

The first-generation CLA (4-door coupe) on the MFA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi A5

Pick the A5 for an elegant, refined coupé with the comfort and tech of the A4.

Best engine: The 40 TFSI (petrol) or 40 TDI (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Pick the CLA for coupe styling with MBUX technology and efficient engines in a premium compact 4-door coupe.

Best engine: The CLA 200 (petrol) or CLA 200 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs M270 CLA 200 · Petrol

	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Power	190 hp Winner	156 hp
Torque	320 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	240 km/h Winner	230 km/h
Power-to-weight	124,6 hp/t Winner	109,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	133 g/km	130 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 L/100km	5,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Boot	465 L	470 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.280 L Winner	1.235 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m Winner	2,70 m
Length	4,73 m	4,63 m
Ground clearance	11,5 cm	10,0 cm
Turning circle	11,5 m	11,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.900 kg Winner	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	MFA (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W176 and B-Class W246)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 40/45 TFSI e PHEV	M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	7-speed 7G-DCT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi A5

S tronic (DSG) needs maintenance on early cars
AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
Early MMI infotainment quirks

Mercedes-Benz CLA

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
7G-DCT: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
Early M270 petrol: timing chain risk reported
Interior rattles on some examples

Pros

Audi A5

Elegant coupé styling
Refined, composed ride (quattro)
Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Coupe look with a 470 L boot (Shooting Brake: 495 L)
Proven M270 1.6/2.0 petrol and OM651 2.1 diesel (CLA 200 d: 136 hp / 300 Nm)
CLA 45 AMG: 360–381 hp four-cylinder for real performance

Cons

Audi A5

Firm ride on S line / big wheels
Limited rear headroom (coupé)

Mercedes-Benz CLA

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Low roofline limits rear headroom

Driving experience

Audi A5

Stylish, comfortable and easy to drive quickly. The A5 steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well, and stays quiet at speed. Front-drive versions are efficient; quattro adds strong traction and a more planted feel, especially on the 2.0 and 3.0 engines. The 2.0 TFSI is smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI is the economical distance choice, and the S5 3.0 V6 adds genuine pace. The S tronic is quick; the tiptronic smooth. It is a polished, style-led coupe/sportback that prioritises comfort and looks over outright driver involvement.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Style-first, with a ride to match. The C117 steers quickly and accurately but rides firmly, especially on larger wheels, and lets in more road and wind noise than a proper Mercedes should. Front-drive versions are tidy and predictable; 4MATIC adds traction in poor conditions. The M270 petrols are willing but gruff, the OM651 diesel is the sensible choice for distance, and the 7-speed dual-clutch is quick once moving, if hesitant from a standstill. Body control is good, but the CLA trades comfort for its coupé looks.