I drove the S5, but the C43 was not available for test drive, instead they let me drive the GLC 43. Here is what I have to say about the two.
Note: I'm no expert, far from it infact, this is the first time I drove an automatic, let alone a V6 powered car.
Audi S5 Sportback
The fact that it is above the C class/A4/3 series segment is clearly visible. Based on the A5 platform, the exterior aesthetics of the car is just brilliant!
The GT like slope on the back makes it look very sporty, but at the same time the folks at Audi have made it look very polished and elegant. If one were to simply decide based on the looks of the car, the S5 would win hands down, especially considering the C class and its appearance which is pretty common place(atleast in the bigger cities).
Interiors look very sterile and business like, would have preferred a little more flare in the internal styling, but mind you, it still looks good and the materials used show that this falls in a higher segment, and accordingly the fit and finish is good.
Has all the features one would expect from a car of this segment, so I'd rather mention the features it has over the C43, that stood out for me,
Have to start with the Audi Virtual Cockpit (ofcourse!), the way they have integrated any and all necessary info and visuals into it is just brilliant. It shows everything you need while driving, yet it doesn't look crowded or confusing. Very easy to toggle and change based on your needs and the driving mode. Audi has clearly done a very good job with this.
The C43 has the usual C class console, with the two analog dials and a small screen, which isn't bad, but it is no match to Audi's virtual cockpit(it even displays a full map with GPS!)
3 zone climate control, compared to the C43's 2 zone climate control.
The boot/trunk is completely automatic and can be controlled by the remote control(no need for my puny hands), whereas the C43 only has remote opening, but no closing.
The center console/screen is much bigger than the C43's, it is noticeably bigger and looks more advanced.
And finally, the S5 has wireless charging.
The tech Audi has provided definitely makes it a very enticing pick
Cannot comment much about the drive as this is the first time I drove something like this, I didn't push it much and was very careful.
Definitely fast, but can't say much about handling, cause I don't have any comparison.
Mercedes C43 AMG
The external look of the C43 is nothing special, and to an untrained eye it pretty much looks the same as the regular C class. But AMG has done a few things to set it apart, namely an aggressive front bumper with bigger air vents and changed rear bumper as well, with dual exhausts beneath it.
Usual AMG badging sprinkled here and there.
The sporty AMG steering wheel.
Finally, the diamond grill in the front! I liked this the moment I saw it and would go so far as to say this looks better than the grill on the bigger C63S.
But if making a style statment is the objective, then one would have to steer clear of this car, and look to the S5.
The interiors in this car are very well appointed, the leather on the dashboard with red stiching, and the open pore wood convering the center console make this car look a lot more luxurious and fetching.
Pretty much all surfaces are covered with leather, unlike the plastic used in the S5.
And the cherry on top are the very sporty red seat belts, even though this is essentially a sleeper car, the belts give it away, and I like it!!
Panaromic sun roof, compared to the small one in the S5
Auto parking, again missing in the S5
And the AMG ride control sports suspension, this is definitely something that adds to the overall experience of driving the C43. It is adjustable and hence you can make it stiffer or softer as you see fit.
Having said all of the above, you don't choose the C43 for its interiors or styling, you choose it for the drive.
Though I haven't been able to drive this car, the little time I spent driving the GLC43, I really liked its handling, control and acceleration. And based on every comparative review I have read online and the people I have spoken to, the C43 is a much better drivers car when compared to the S5.
So, this is as far as what I could find out about these cars.
My choice boils down to a S5 Sportback with better external styling, a host of extra tech and slightly subdued performace at a marginally lower cost(by Rs.3 lakh)
OR
The C43 AMG, with MUCH better interiors, lesser tech and greater performance, and not to mention the higher cost.
In the end, I am looking for a great driving experience and am willing to forgo the S5 tech. So I'll be choosing the C43 AMG (I only hope I'm not overpaying for the extra performance!)
Thanks guys for all the help, and guiding me in deciding what is it that I exactly want.
P.S : Photos post delivery will be put up!