C350 vs Audi A5
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 45
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From: Ontario, Canada
2025 GLE350
C350 vs Audi A5
Has anybody driven a MB C350 and Audi A5 back to back?
Cost of both are nearly the same if you add on the options.
I currently own a 2006 BMW 330i and am undecided on either the MB350 or the Audi A5.
Both Car & Driver and the Toronto Star Wheels section are not too impressed with the MB so I would appreciated your driving impressions on both the MD and Audi in the real world. (I havn't had the chance to do this yet)
Thanks
Cost of both are nearly the same if you add on the options.
I currently own a 2006 BMW 330i and am undecided on either the MB350 or the Audi A5.
Both Car & Driver and the Toronto Star Wheels section are not too impressed with the MB so I would appreciated your driving impressions on both the MD and Audi in the real world. (I havn't had the chance to do this yet)
Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 50
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From: Louisville, KY US
2012 C 350 Coupe
I looked at the Audi quite a bit before I purchased the Mercedes. I have the C350 with the Advanced Agility option. The Merc is a bit softer all around when it comes to daily driving. Steering is not quite as quick and directional and brakes are a bit more linear. The Merc. engine is quite a bit more powerful. 302hp vs. 210 I believe and you can feel it. The Merc. power delivery is more linear and even, the turbo Audi is very punchy but jarring. As a daily driver I thought the Merc. was the better choice. It can get a bit nasty if you want it to but it's natural demeanor is nicer than the Audi.
Throw in the MUCH nicer Merc. interior, the fact that there are very few out there (lots of A5/A4s where I live) and the fact that Mercedes has great resid. value if you lease, the Merc. was the winner for me.
Throw in the MUCH nicer Merc. interior, the fact that there are very few out there (lots of A5/A4s where I live) and the fact that Mercedes has great resid. value if you lease, the Merc. was the winner for me.
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 247
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From: Pasadena, CA
'12 C204 C250, '05 SLK350 (sold)
Also, since MB has lost ground in market share to BMW and Audi, there's a lot more room for negotiation on the price (not sure about Audi), but a lot of the guys on the forum are getting 8%-10%+ off MSRP, even on leases. I like the A5 but for the reasons Energybiz described, I'd lean towards the C350. It's also a new body style!
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 92
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C350
If you want the best looking Coupe...
If you want the Best looking Coupe out there...go with the Audi A5
It's an amazing car. I just came from an S5, but I did test drive the A5 before purchasing an S5.
Only reason why I didn't get the A5 is because the order took too long and I got a decent deal for an S5.
Pros:
Audi's interior is stunning. The sharp lines and running LED lights are indistinguishable. Car has nearly as much torque has a V6 C350. Standard All Wheel Drive. Great Resale Value. The care is rare, unlike a C350 and 3 series. Back up cam technology 1000x > Mercedes.
Cons:
Electronics (not as new as Benz). Moon roof only tilts. Seat options are limited. Back seat has about 2-4 inch less leg room vs a C350. Ipod cable is located in the glove compartment instead of the center arm rest.
This is all I can think of for now.
It's an amazing car. I just came from an S5, but I did test drive the A5 before purchasing an S5.
Only reason why I didn't get the A5 is because the order took too long and I got a decent deal for an S5.
Pros:
Audi's interior is stunning. The sharp lines and running LED lights are indistinguishable. Car has nearly as much torque has a V6 C350. Standard All Wheel Drive. Great Resale Value. The care is rare, unlike a C350 and 3 series. Back up cam technology 1000x > Mercedes.
Cons:
Electronics (not as new as Benz). Moon roof only tilts. Seat options are limited. Back seat has about 2-4 inch less leg room vs a C350. Ipod cable is located in the glove compartment instead of the center arm rest.
This is all I can think of for now.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: In my house
C350 Coupe 2012 (C204)
drove my friend's A5 once. I like my C350 much more. The A5's steering feels too electronic (feedback from the road surface feels too artificial). Also, the car's buttons feels overwhelming. Maybe it was because it was my first time being in an A5, but that being said it was my initial feel of that car. Also, if you listen asian music, audi cars can't display the text properly and all asian languages show up as squares. It seems that audi and bmw did not install the asian languages for their cars here in Canada, but Mercedes was smart enough to (honestly, how much space will the three major asian languages take up??). However, i agree with ubiquitous5, Audi's back up cam is much better than Mercedes.
All that being said, I'll take the c350 in a heartbeat. :p
All that being said, I'll take the c350 in a heartbeat. :p
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 92
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C350
Also, if you opt for the sport package. It's probably the biggest bang for your buck in an A5.
Sport Seats, Sport Suspension, and 19" Wheels with 255/35/19 Summer Tires (Usually Dunlop or Pirelllis) for ~$1000 (not sure about pricing in Canada).
Compared to a C350, the MPG on the A5 is much better (although the car probably competes more directly with the C250). Depending on what vehicle you find, when you purchase the Prem+ Model A5, it comes with Xenon. The way MB has their C250 and C350 built, you're kind of scrambling to find one with the Lighting Package (so you can get Xenons). 2 SD Slots in an A5 vs one in a C350, but I'm not sure why one would need two.
Also, another thing I like about Mercedes, When you fold the seats back, the seats automatically move forward and backward.
If you need a V6, I would say go with the C350.
If you don't, highly consider the Audi A5. Its a beauty.
Some people compare the C Coupe to a Honda Accord as well.
Sport Seats, Sport Suspension, and 19" Wheels with 255/35/19 Summer Tires (Usually Dunlop or Pirelllis) for ~$1000 (not sure about pricing in Canada).
Compared to a C350, the MPG on the A5 is much better (although the car probably competes more directly with the C250). Depending on what vehicle you find, when you purchase the Prem+ Model A5, it comes with Xenon. The way MB has their C250 and C350 built, you're kind of scrambling to find one with the Lighting Package (so you can get Xenons). 2 SD Slots in an A5 vs one in a C350, but I'm not sure why one would need two.
Also, another thing I like about Mercedes, When you fold the seats back, the seats automatically move forward and backward.
If you need a V6, I would say go with the C350.
If you don't, highly consider the Audi A5. Its a beauty.
Some people compare the C Coupe to a Honda Accord as well.
Last edited by Ubiquitous5; Mar 15, 2012 at 07:10 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 29
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From: Toronto, ON
Mercedes Benz C250 2012
I have, actually drove the C250, the C350, the 335i, 328xi and the A5 all in one day! Whew!
Drive quality the Benz takes it, I was really disappointed in the ride of the A5 - and I am coming from an A4! The 335i is a beast of power, and the 328 is damn good as well - but the overall complete package, the Benz takes it. Good power, great interior, and I found that none of them rode like the Benz.
My wife was with me, and after the Benz we drove the A5 - and as soon as we sat in the A5 she said she did not like it, feels different - and she is not a car person by any means.
Also, in Toronto, the price I was getting the C350 for was cheaper than the A5!
Drive quality the Benz takes it, I was really disappointed in the ride of the A5 - and I am coming from an A4! The 335i is a beast of power, and the 328 is damn good as well - but the overall complete package, the Benz takes it. Good power, great interior, and I found that none of them rode like the Benz.
My wife was with me, and after the Benz we drove the A5 - and as soon as we sat in the A5 she said she did not like it, feels different - and she is not a car person by any means.
Also, in Toronto, the price I was getting the C350 for was cheaper than the A5!
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Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 175
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From: Canada
Honda Civic
I have, actually drove the C250, the C350, the 335i, 328xi and the A5 all in one day! Whew!
Drive quality the Benz takes it, I was really disappointed in the ride of the A5 - and I am coming from an A4! The 335i is a beast of power, and the 328 is damn good as well - but the overall complete package, the Benz takes it. Good power, great interior, and I found that none of them rode like the Benz.
My wife was with me, and after the Benz we drove the A5 - and as soon as we sat in the A5 she said she did not like it, feels different - and she is not a car person by any means.
Also, in Toronto, the price I was getting the C350 for was cheaper than the A5!
Drive quality the Benz takes it, I was really disappointed in the ride of the A5 - and I am coming from an A4! The 335i is a beast of power, and the 328 is damn good as well - but the overall complete package, the Benz takes it. Good power, great interior, and I found that none of them rode like the Benz.
My wife was with me, and after the Benz we drove the A5 - and as soon as we sat in the A5 she said she did not like it, feels different - and she is not a car person by any means.
Also, in Toronto, the price I was getting the C350 for was cheaper than the A5!
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 8
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2009 Nissan 370Z
I tested them both back to back and it is a very hard choice. on the exterior the Audi wins hands down. The interior goes to the Benz. How is the Audi 45k and doesn't have power adjusted steering wheel is beyond me, and the fact that its roof doesn't slid back, only tilts. Driving goes to the C350 the Audi feels like it handles better but the C has the power. But hey you can't make a bad choice when it boils down to these two cars.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 330
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From: North Carolina - Research Triangle
2025 C300W4 AMG, 2023 GLC300 / previous 17 GLC300, 15 BMW 228i, 13 C300, 12 C350 Coupe
I drove a 2011 335i Sedan with sport (couldn't feel the road and auster interior)
a 135i (very engaging, pocket rocket, wife liked MB better because of ride)
came out of 128i which was fun but underpowered
The C350 had the best all around ride, handling and power. It was a great value. I also find the handling just fine for public roads in Wah DC area. I am sure I would have preferred the advanced agility package but did not want to wait for a factory special order,
Now that the HPDES are starting I think I will miss the BMW but that is only 3-4 days a year. The rest of the time I have a smile on my face.
a 135i (very engaging, pocket rocket, wife liked MB better because of ride)
came out of 128i which was fun but underpowered
The C350 had the best all around ride, handling and power. It was a great value. I also find the handling just fine for public roads in Wah DC area. I am sure I would have preferred the advanced agility package but did not want to wait for a factory special order,
Now that the HPDES are starting I think I will miss the BMW but that is only 3-4 days a year. The rest of the time I have a smile on my face.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 29
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From: Toronto, ON
Mercedes Benz C250 2012
Well guys, finally, I got my C250 today! Had to drive just over 100km to pick it up this morning, which was excruciating in my 2004 A4 
but the ride back, whew, beautiful - had some fun on the H'ways. And not because the Audi is horrible, just the anticipation - had to kiss my car goodbye - it was faithful, never let me down...on to newer and better!
I know everyone says that the C250 is underpowered, and it is compared to the BMW's and the C350, but that 4 banger is pretty quick, and when you pull of taking a corner, you can lose the back if you don't watch it.
Anyways, it was a nice ride.
So back to the initial question - you know what, any of these cars would have made me happy, but I chose something a little less seen on the road, something nice, with a fantastic ride, and beautiful interior, and I love the aggressive look of the car.
Have to say, as soon as I get in the car, you have a smile on your face, and you just want to go and drive!
but the ride back, whew, beautiful - had some fun on the H'ways. And not because the Audi is horrible, just the anticipation - had to kiss my car goodbye - it was faithful, never let me down...on to newer and better!I know everyone says that the C250 is underpowered, and it is compared to the BMW's and the C350, but that 4 banger is pretty quick, and when you pull of taking a corner, you can lose the back if you don't watch it.
Anyways, it was a nice ride.
So back to the initial question - you know what, any of these cars would have made me happy, but I chose something a little less seen on the road, something nice, with a fantastic ride, and beautiful interior, and I love the aggressive look of the car.
Have to say, as soon as I get in the car, you have a smile on your face, and you just want to go and drive!
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 175
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From: Canada
Honda Civic
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Honda Civic
For some idiotic reason (well, I know the answer but still) Audi does't include a dual exhaust on the A5 any more. That car in the picture is the no longer available 3.2L. They put the dual exhaust (one on each side) on the cabrio, but not on the A5 2.0 coupe. I hate seeing the lack of symmetry on a car that having the exhaust on one side causes. So much so that it is a reason driving me to the C350. I know that you can covert a one side exhaust two both side exhaust, but it is costly and it voids the warranty on that part of the car.
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 92
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C350
Audi marketing strategy is closer to Apple selling their Mac computers.
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
C350
For some idiotic reason (well, I know the answer but still) Audi does't include a dual exhaust on the A5 any more. That car in the picture is the no longer available 3.2L. They put the dual exhaust (one on each side) on the cabrio, but not on the A5 2.0 coupe. I hate seeing the lack of symmetry on a car that having the exhaust on one side causes. So much so that it is a reason driving me to the C350. I know that you can covert a one side exhaust two both side exhaust, but it is costly and it voids the warranty on that part of the car.
However, if someone wanted a Dual Exhaust and wanted to upgrade its an easy fix. All you need is a 3.2 A5 Valence (Discontinued V6 model) and buy a Dual Exhaust from AWE (great brand).
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 92
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C350
I tested them both back to back and it is a very hard choice. on the exterior the Audi wins hands down. The interior goes to the Benz. How is the Audi 45k and doesn't have power adjusted steering wheel is beyond me, and the fact that its roof doesn't slid back, only tilts. Driving goes to the C350 the Audi feels like it handles better but the C has the power. But hey you can't make a bad choice when it boils down to these two cars.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2009 C300, 2012 GLK350, 2012 C350C
i love the look of the A5. Headlights rock and so does the fact that they are unique in my area. A lot of pre 2012 C-classes here.
I do love my 2012 C350 coupe though, especially the interior!
I do love my 2012 C350 coupe though, especially the interior!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: US
C350 Coupe
Evaluated the A5 against the C350 coupe and I went with the C350. While I like the styling of the A5 from the side slightly better than the C350, the front wins on the c350, the back for me between the two was a relative tie, and the interior of the C350 is way better than the A5. The Pano roof really does it for me and makes the in-car experience all that much better. Drive wise, I prefer the C350. I test drove a C350 with the advanced agility package and loved it. Power wasn't a problem in the C350, smooth ride, felt luxurious to over the A5. Overall C350 wins for me.
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
C350
Audi doesn't offer any discount to the general public. Invoice +$500 is considered a good deal in most geographic locations.
They have military discounts and loyalty $, but so does everyone else. They also rarely offer Lease deals, so if you care about monthly payment, stay away from Audi.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
na
Another thing to keep in mind is that Audi keeps their residuals way lower than what the "market value" should be, meaning your monthly payments on an Audi lease will be a lot higher than an equivalently priced BMW or Mercedes. But at the end of lease your Audi will be worth more than the price you can buy it at so many people just buy it and resell immediately.
Either way Audi's usually make for terrible leases..
Either way Audi's usually make for terrible leases..
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 320
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2015 ML350 Black/Black
Has anybody driven a MB C350 and Audi A5 back to back?
Cost of both are nearly the same if you add on the options.
I currently own a 2006 BMW 330i and am undecided on either the MB350 or the Audi A5.
Both Car & Driver and the Toronto Star Wheels section are not too impressed with the MB so I would appreciated your driving impressions on both the MD and Audi in the real world. (I havn't had the chance to do this yet)
Thanks
Cost of both are nearly the same if you add on the options.
I currently own a 2006 BMW 330i and am undecided on either the MB350 or the Audi A5.
Both Car & Driver and the Toronto Star Wheels section are not too impressed with the MB so I would appreciated your driving impressions on both the MD and Audi in the real world. (I havn't had the chance to do this yet)
Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 48
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2013 E550C; 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L
Agreed. A truly sporty looking car with just 211 HP from a 2.0 liter engine. What were they thinking of?
A5? Great car with tiny Golf engine, it is screaming for V6 turbo! I drove with same engine on my former Passat 6 years ago, not impressive at all. I like look and design but nothing close to my C350 coupe in performance. Besides I don't like AWD for such cars, SUV yes but not for sporty coupes.
