Mercedes S coupes compared to Audi S5 / RS5 coupes
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Joined: May 2013
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Mercedes S coupes compared to Audi S5 / RS5 coupes
I realize these are not typically compared and are different market segments, but I have a recent model year Mercedes S class coupe. Considering an Audi S5 or maybe RS5 as something different. Am arranging an S5 coupe test drive.
Granted, it's a Mercedes forum and will solicit Audi opinions across the aisle, but what I'm hoping someone could speak to in their experience:
1. Comparisons in interior materials and build quality;
2. Ride quality from a NVH standpoint / how quiet in daily driving / how comfy on subpar roads;
3. Any general observations, and;
4. Not really related, but just how functional is the boosting capability of Audi phone box? I live in an area with some spots of fringe reception with both Verizon and FirstNet (protected gov/private cooperative AT&T network), both of which I've used here.
In the luxury/plush versus sporty continuum, I'm more towards the former but still need some oomph.
Thanks in advance.
Granted, it's a Mercedes forum and will solicit Audi opinions across the aisle, but what I'm hoping someone could speak to in their experience:
1. Comparisons in interior materials and build quality;
2. Ride quality from a NVH standpoint / how quiet in daily driving / how comfy on subpar roads;
3. Any general observations, and;
4. Not really related, but just how functional is the boosting capability of Audi phone box? I live in an area with some spots of fringe reception with both Verizon and FirstNet (protected gov/private cooperative AT&T network), both of which I've used here.
In the luxury/plush versus sporty continuum, I'm more towards the former but still need some oomph.
Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Porsche guy who drives SL63 w/ perf pkg AND perf suspension
i compared, the interior is not in the same ball park, the features are not either. the MB is far superior and feels 100 x better. The quality of the audi is not able to compare. The mb is far better ride and feel. The performance may or may not be the same, as the audi is lighter maybe more nimble in handling.
You are comparing a vw to a mb .
You are comparing a vw to a mb .
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S63 AMG Cabrio
I drove several Audi S5 (Coupe and Cabriolet) cars for many many years, and then for 4 years a RS5 (Cabriolet) and especially this last one, was a great car, with its N/A V8, with revs until 8500 rpm or so! Great car, no doubt, but more comparable to a C63 or M3/M4 than enything else.
Then I stepped into my first ever MB: a (pre-facelift) S63 AMG Cabriolet.............and never looked back since. After a few years I upgraded to the facelifted S63 (then comparing it with the new Bentley Continental GTC, which gives you an idea in which league the S63 is operating). It is a huge difference in build quality, interior, drive comfort, etc, etc. with the Audi S5/RS5. It is a totally different league. The RS5 maybe can be compared on these aspects with a C63, and the S63 more with a S8 (but no Coupes or Cabriolets from that model).
And now Audi even downsized the RS5 to V6 engines, it is definitiely a no-go for me (as a person who drive Audi for 20 years!), but even with a V8 I would not go back, only when they come with a S9/A9 Coupe or Convertible or something.
Then I stepped into my first ever MB: a (pre-facelift) S63 AMG Cabriolet.............and never looked back since. After a few years I upgraded to the facelifted S63 (then comparing it with the new Bentley Continental GTC, which gives you an idea in which league the S63 is operating). It is a huge difference in build quality, interior, drive comfort, etc, etc. with the Audi S5/RS5. It is a totally different league. The RS5 maybe can be compared on these aspects with a C63, and the S63 more with a S8 (but no Coupes or Cabriolets from that model).
And now Audi even downsized the RS5 to V6 engines, it is definitiely a no-go for me (as a person who drive Audi for 20 years!), but even with a V8 I would not go back, only when they come with a S9/A9 Coupe or Convertible or something.
Last edited by HAWKiS63; May 18, 2020 at 04:50 AM.
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Appreciate the thoughts and input. I periodically check inventory for the next car -- if Mercedes, almost certainly would be an S560 / S63 coupe.
Poking around like in the OP also makes me wonder about the S7 as a different alternative. Sportback versus coupe, sure, but any experience with those? Seems to be perhaps a little more towards the Mercedes S realm.
Poking around like in the OP also makes me wonder about the S7 as a different alternative. Sportback versus coupe, sure, but any experience with those? Seems to be perhaps a little more towards the Mercedes S realm.
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From: Texas
S63 AMG Coupe AMG GT55
Just to follow up and in case you're still looking...here's an option;
As mentioned, there is NO comparison between the two cars. A couple of years back I was "hot" for the RS5 coupe so I drove the Audi. Then had my wife drive it. She came back and couldn't believe I was even considering it. Too small, not substantial, too this too that, I won't buy a vehicle unless I know she'll enjoy driving it too. I then test drove a 6 series BMW Coupe.... the 6 is one of the best cars I've ever owned and I never get tired of it. Even though on paper, it's slower than my S63, it just feels zooomy. Quality of fit and finish is top notch. The S63 is the charmer, the BMW is the one I take if I feel a little "frogy" and want to go for a spirited drive. So if you pass on another MB, just check out the M850i. You can pick one up with a few miles on it for a great value. Second, in my opinion, only to the S63 in interior quality and luxury and just a notch above in tech. The M850 sounds better than an AMG GT, has all wheel steering and is a well build car with bags of power. Then again???
As mentioned, there is NO comparison between the two cars. A couple of years back I was "hot" for the RS5 coupe so I drove the Audi. Then had my wife drive it. She came back and couldn't believe I was even considering it. Too small, not substantial, too this too that, I won't buy a vehicle unless I know she'll enjoy driving it too. I then test drove a 6 series BMW Coupe.... the 6 is one of the best cars I've ever owned and I never get tired of it. Even though on paper, it's slower than my S63, it just feels zooomy. Quality of fit and finish is top notch. The S63 is the charmer, the BMW is the one I take if I feel a little "frogy" and want to go for a spirited drive. So if you pass on another MB, just check out the M850i. You can pick one up with a few miles on it for a great value. Second, in my opinion, only to the S63 in interior quality and luxury and just a notch above in tech. The M850 sounds better than an AMG GT, has all wheel steering and is a well build car with bags of power. Then again???
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Mercedes S550 4matic w/ AMG pkg
I've recently taken the plunge into a S63 Coupe. I'm currently in my last days of my Audi S8 (which I absolutely LOVED). Since my divorce, I needed a "sleeper" and my S8 served me extraordinarily well. But, while I have virtually zero miles on S63 experience, coming back to MB in a linear comparison across marquees (Audi v MB) require at least fair comparisons and if you're looking at a "5" series Audi vs. an S class MB it's like comparing an NCAA World Series team against an MLB World Series champion? Having a son who just finished his senior year at IMG Academy (baseball), I can tell you while college kids are great athletes, pro's are LEAGUES ahead and my comparison comes from real world experience. (Thank you for allowing me to passive/aggressive boast about my son).
Last edited by est8esq; May 30, 2020 at 12:03 PM.
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From: San Diego, CA
2024 EQE 500
Audi does not make a product that directly competes with the S Coupe. The A/S/RS5 is based on the A4, a C class competitor. A nice competitor at that, Audi makes nice cars. The A/S/RS7 is largely an A/S/RS6 in coupe form. If you want something different than MB, have a look at the Audi A/S/RS7. That's a nice car.
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From: North Texas
Presently 19 S560 SEDAN, 2014 XK, SOLD GLE 450e
Because I'm a bit grouchy right now.............I loathe BMS Coupes for one main reason. I like real coupes because when I look to my left I do NOT want to be looking at a 'B' pillar blocking my view. BMW's seem to have a need to add ? paint on the windows to the left that might as well be 'B' pillars.
Jag XK's were great, S550 are great as far as not having to look at a 'B' pillar when your looking to the left/behind. CLS are NOT coupes and never will be until they rid it of 'B' pillars and four doors. CLS are nice looking cars otherwise.
Jag XK's were great, S550 are great as far as not having to look at a 'B' pillar when your looking to the left/behind. CLS are NOT coupes and never will be until they rid it of 'B' pillars and four doors. CLS are nice looking cars otherwise.
