Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz CLE
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Audi A5 wins on money kept: 59% retained after three years vs 55%, worth about R 31 642 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A5 | CLE | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 123 000 | R 1 261 081 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 19 628/m | R 22 042/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 55% |
| Value after 3 years | R 657 570 | R 689 212 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 465 430 | R 571 869 |
| Value after 5 years | R 477 983 | R 481 169 |
| 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 CLE →
Launched in SA during 2024 to replace both the C-Class and E-Class coupes and cabriolets. It is a low-volume image car sold in CLE 200, CLE 300 and AMG forms. The nameplate is too new for a settled resale record.
Known for: two-door successor to c and e coupes
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz CLE?
The Audi A5. It keeps about 59% of its price after three years against 55% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE, a gap of 4 points.
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 CLE loses about R 571 869. 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 CLE about R 22 042, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.