Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 59% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A5 | C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 123 000 | R 943 506 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 19 628/m | R 16 491/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 657 570 | R 552 468 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 465 430 | R 391 038 |
| Value after 5 years | R 477 983 | R 401 585 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi A5 →
Originally the coupe, cabriolet and Sportback offshoot of the A4, the A5 nameplate took over as Audi's compact executive sedan in South Africa from August 2025. The new generation runs a 2.0 TFSI in front-wheel drive or quattro form and starts around R1.12 million. Older A5 coupes and Sportbacks are widely available used at a big discount on their original prices.
Known for: sleek styling on a4 mechanicals
Mercedes-Benz C-Class →
South Africa's home-grown Mercedes, built in East London and exported around the world. For decades it has been the default premium sedan for local professionals and a big seller by premium standards, with coupe and estate versions offered along the way. Used supply is deep across every generation and diesel C220d derivatives are especially sought after.
Known for: locally built premium sedan staple
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
They are close to inseparable: 59% vs 59% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Audi A5 loses about R 465 430 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses about R 391 038. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Audi A5 runs about R 19 628 per month and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class about R 16 491, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.