The 2026 Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class both compete for the same luxury sedan buyer, but they take noticeably different approaches to power, technology, and everyday practicality. Look closely at the numbers and the differences become clear rather quickly. Our team at Audi Van Nuys put together this side-by-side comparison to help you see where the Audi A5 pulls ahead.

Performance

The 2026 Audi A5 produces 268 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, besting the 255 horsepower from the standard engine in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That extra power helps the new Audi sedan reach 60 mph in an estimated 5.6 seconds, much quicker than the roughly 6.0-second time of its Mercedes-Benz competitor. Every 2026 Audi A5 also comes standard with quattro® all-wheel drive, while the base Mercedes-Benz C-Class ships with rear-wheel drive and only offers all-wheel drive as an option.

Technology

Step inside the 2026 Audi A5 and you’ll find a standard MMI® touchscreen measuring 14.5 inches, noticeably larger than the 11.9-inch touchscreen found in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Audi A5 pairs that display with an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit® integrated into a single curved digital stage, giving you a more unified layout than the separate screens in the Mercedes-Benz sedan.

Cargo Space

The liftback design of the 2026 Audi A5 also delivers practical advantages, offering 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, nearly double the 11.6 cubic feet found in the trunk of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Fold the rear seats in the Audi A5 and that number grows to 36.6 cubic feet, giving you far more room for luggage or gear.

Safety

Safety tells a similar story: the 2026 Audi A5 earned the highest distinction from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class earned the lower-tier TOP SAFETY PICK award for the same model year. That extra margin of protection comes standard on every 2026 Audi A5.

Make the 2026 Audi A5 Yours at Audi Van Nuys

Between the extra horsepower, standard quattro® all-wheel drive, larger touchscreen, and nearly double the cargo space, the 2026 Audi A5 gives you more than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in nearly every category that matters. Come see it for yourself, and ask about current Audi financing options while you're here. Visit our Audi dealership in Van Nuys, CA,to get started.