Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| A5 | C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Starting price | $50,200 | $49,650 |
| Monthly payment | $584 | $577 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Hybrid |
| Fuel economy | 26.0 mpg | 27.0 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 344 g/mi | 307 g/mi–406 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
Yes, Audi issued recall 22V041 for 2021-2022 A5 models due to a software bug that can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing when reversing. The screen may stay black or frozen, increasing the risk of backing into objects or pedestrians. The recall remedy is a free dealer software update; out-of-pocket repairs for the infotainment module would cost $500-$1,200.
Yes, the MIB 3 infotainment system in 2020-2024 A5 models has documented instability causing screen freezes, random restarts, and Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay dropouts. This can make navigation and climate controls unresponsive, and if software updates fail, the entire head unit may need replacement. Post-warranty replacement costs $1,800-$2,500 installed.
Yes, the plastic water pump/thermostat housing on the 2.0L EA888 engine in 2019-2024 A5s is prone to leaking coolant, causing low-coolant warnings and visible drips. Left unchecked, it can lead to overheating and engine damage. Replacement costs $800-$1,500 at an independent shop, or over $2,000 at a dealer.
Yes, the panoramic roof drain tubes on 2019-2024 A5s can clog or pinch, leading to water intrusion on headliners, pillars, or footwells after heavy rain. This can damage seat electronics or cause musty odors, and prolonged exposure may corrode wiring and modules. Cleaning or re-routing the drains costs $200-$450, but water damage repairs can exceed $1,500.
Yes, the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission in 2019-2024 A5s can have mechatronic unit failures, causing hard shifts, hesitation, and even loss of drive. A flashing PRNDS warning light indicates a serious issue, and delaying repair can destroy clutch packs. Mechatronic replacement at a specialist costs $3,000-$4,500, while a full transmission replacement is $6,000-$8,000.
Yes. NHTSA recall 22V199000 covers 2022 C-Class (W206) models where the rearview camera image may fail to appear or may appear late when reversing. This reduces rear visibility and increases the risk of backing into objects or people. The repair is covered under the recall, so there is no out-of-pocket cost.
Yes. The 2019-2020 C300 (W205, M264 EQ Boost) and 2022-2023 C300 (W206, M254/ISG) have owner complaints describing 48V malfunctions, reduced engine power, stalling, and failure to restart. The car may enter limp mode or show a 'Malfunction – 48V onboard electrical system' warning. After warranty, independent forum-reported replacements of the 48V auxiliary battery commonly fall in the $1,500-$2,500 range.
Yes. The 2019-2020 C300 (M264) and 2022+ C300 (M254) have documented abnormal oil use, with owners needing repeated top-ups between services. Symptoms include low-oil warnings and shorter-than-normal top-up intervals, and ignoring it can lead to piston-ring or catalyst damage. If diagnosed as piston-ring/PCV failure, repair can exceed $3,000.
Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
A5 starts at $50,200; C-Class starts at $49,650. The difference is $550, making C-Class about 1% cheaper before financing.
Estimated monthly payment: A5 — $584; C-Class — $577. The difference is $7 per month, with C-Class lower.
The models use different powertrains: A5 — Gasoline; C-Class — Hybrid. The better choice depends on your daily route and access to charging.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
Want to compare other models? Return to the full catalog or calculate financing using your own terms.
