Audi RS5 Sportback vs Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon
Compare the Audi RS5 Sportback vs Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon. The Audi RS5 Sportback is £13,000 cheaper. The Audi RS5 Sportback is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Audi RS5 Sportback is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Audi RS5 Sportback is priced from £65,000, powered by a 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6, producing 444 hp, with 600 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.9 s, a top speed of 155 mph (standard limiter), sent to the road via all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon is priced from £55,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 503 hp, with 700 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 4 s, a top speed of 180 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Audi RS5 Sportback offers a 465-litre boot, folding rear seats, runs on petrol, returns around 30 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / 60,000 miles (original UK cover; first 2 years unlimited) warranty. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon offers a 435-litre boot, folding rear seats, runs on petrol, returns around 26 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Audi RS5 Sportback is £13,000 cheaper than its rival, the Audi RS5 Sportback costs less in annual maintenance (£1,000 versus £1,100), the Audi RS5 Sportback is the more fuel-efficient choice.
Driving Character: Audi RS5 Sportback vs Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon
The RS5 Sportback delivers a sophisticated driving experience focused on immense, all-weather pace. Its 2.9L twin-turbo V6 pushes 444 hp, providing a linear and authoritative surge of acceleration that makes the 0-60 sprint feel effortless. The Quattro system, paired with a sport differential, ensures the chassis feels planted and neutral, even in challenging conditions. While it may lack the raw, emotive bark of a V8, the technical precision is hard to ignore. It is a car that covers ground with clinical efficiency, keeping the driver composed and confident regardless of the severity of the road surface.
The W205 facelift C 63 S Saloon combines a 375 kW V8 with rear-wheel drive. Its MCT gearbox uses a wet start-off clutch. Adaptive damping and an electronic rear differential support its performance character. This entry represents the petrol V8 saloon.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS5 Sportback — 2.9L twin-turbo V6 engine; delivers accessible power through a standard AWD system; the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon — 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and rear-wheel drive. Characteristic of the Audi RS5 Sportback: Quattro drivetrain calibration; provides confident grip across varying road and weather conditions. For the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon: Nine-speed MCT gearbox and electronically controlled rear differential. In outright terms it is 444 hp against 503 — a 59 hp gap — and the Audi RS5 Sportback reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Audi RS5 Sportback vs Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon
The cabin is a triumph of function and premium finish, centring on the high-resolution Virtual Cockpit. Everything is exactly where a driver would expect it, with high-quality materials and a robust build feel that characterises Audi’s best interiors. The Sportback silhouette does slightly compromise headroom for rear passengers, though the four-door configuration makes it far more accessible than a traditional coupe. It feels intimate yet spacious, balancing a cockpit-style atmosphere with sufficient room for adults. While it shares some architecture with the standard A5, the RS-specific trim and seating elevate the experience to something truly special.
The cabin follows the W205 dashboard layout. It uses a separate central infotainment display and centre-console controls. Trim and seat specifications depend on equipment. Portrait MBUX and W206 hybrid descriptions have been removed.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS5 Sportback — High-resolution digital dashboard; virtual cockpit interface provides clear and configurable driving data; the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon — Four-door W205 cabin with separate central display. Characteristic of the Audi RS5 Sportback: Premium build quality; materials and switchgear offer consistent tactile satisfaction throughout. For the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon: Facelift instrument and steering-wheel controls; equipment varies by car.
Daily Usability: Audi RS5 Sportback vs Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon
Practicality is the RS5 Sportback’s hidden talent, blending high performance with genuine usability. The 480L boot is surprisingly cavernous, and the rear doors make loading children or shopping a non-issue. Its footprint is manageable for urban environments, allowing for relatively stress-free parking. The ride, while undeniably firm when set to Dynamic, remains supple in Comfort, smoothing out motorway undulations effectively. It is a car that thrives on long-distance grand touring, where its stability and power come into their own, yet it remains perfectly at home running mundane errands through a congested city centre.
The UK specification lists a 435-litre boot. The four-door body supports daily passenger use. This V8 model has no plug-in charging or electric-only mode.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS5 Sportback — Versatile 480L boot capacity; folding rear seats allow for significant cargo flexibility; the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon — Five-seat saloon layout and 435-litre boot. Characteristic of the Audi RS5 Sportback: Generous 140mm ground clearance; eases navigation of city infrastructure and steep ramps. For the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon: 11.8-metre turning circle in the UK brochure. that means 465 litres of boot space against 435, and everyday running costs that favour the Audi RS5 Sportback at the pumps.
Ownership: Audi RS5 Sportback vs Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon
Ownership costs for the RS5 Sportback are balanced, leaning towards the premium end of the mid-size performance spectrum. Achieving 30 mpg on a steady run is a welcome benefit of the V6 layout, though enthusiastic driving will see that figure plummet. Servicing intervals are well-structured, though the Quattro driveline does require specific attention to remain in peak condition. Audi’s expansive dealer network is a massive advantage, ensuring that parts and expertise are never far away. Strong residuals and a broad appeal make this a sound financial proposition for a high-performance vehicle, provided you are prepared for the annual maintenance budget.
This is a petrol V8 ownership profile. Hybrid battery warranty and electric-range claims do not apply. Existing price history is retained for the separate pricing review.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS5 Sportback — Broad Audi dealer network; service intervals and maintenance are predictable and convenient; the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon — Mercedes-Benz servicing and AMG component support. Characteristic of the Audi RS5 Sportback: Balanced daily performance; high demand for reliable all-weather capability sustains residuals. For the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Saloon: Confirm service history, tyres and brake specification on the individual car. On the wallet the two diverge at £65,000 versus £55,000 — a £10,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,000 against £1,100, and warranty cover of 3 years / 60,000 miles (original UK cover; first 2 years unlimited) versus 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover).