2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$45,400 · Sedan

$48,450 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class often boils down to balancing initial cost against long-term efficiency and badge prestige. The TLX starts at a significantly lower $45,400 MSRP compared to the C-Class's $48,450, saving you $3,050 right off the lot. However, the Mercedes counters with superior fuel economy, delivering 29 MPG combined versus the Acura’s 25 MPG combined. Power delivery is interesting: the TLX boasts 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the C-Class leans into torque with 295 lb-ft but offers slightly less peak power at 255 hp. Furthermore, the Acura offers practical advantages, providing 13.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mercedes’ smaller 11.6 cu ft. Your choice depends heavily on whether you prioritize a lower purchase price and more trunk space or better daily fuel efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class wins for commuters due to its notably better fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the TLX's 25 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura TLX

The 2025 Acura TLX is better for families because it offers a more practical 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the C-Class's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX appeals more to enthusiasts by offering higher peak horsepower at 272 hp and utilizing a 10-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX provides better initial value with an MSRP that is $3,050 less than the C-Class.

Choose the Acura TLX if...

You need the absolute lowest initial purchase price, starting at $45,400.
You frequently carry bulky items and need the maximum available trunk space, which is 13.5 cu ft.
You prefer the responsiveness of a 10-speed automatic transmission paired with 272 hp.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if...

Saving money at the pump is critical, as the C-Class returns 29 MPG combined.
You desire the traditional RWD dynamics provided by its standard rear-wheel-drive configuration.
You prefer a vehicle with higher torque (295 lb-ft) for initial pull, despite having less horsepower (255 hp).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura TLX	Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Length	194.6"	187.0"
Width	75.2"	74.4"
Height	56.4"	56.6"
Wheelbase	113.0"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/31 MPG	25/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	349.8/492.9 mi.	435.0/609.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
ELS Studio Speakers	✓	—
Speaker System	13	5
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.5 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P255/40R	245/40R18
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

What is the main difference in fuel requirements between the two sedans?

The 2025 Acura TLX recommends premium unleaded fuel for its 272 hp engine. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class actually requires premium unleaded fuel for its 255 hp powertrain.

Which sedan is easier for parking in tight city spots?

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is marginally easier to maneuver and park, as it is shorter in length at 187.0 inches compared to the Acura TLX's 194.6 inches.

How does the horsepower and torque comparison break down?

The Acura TLX leads in raw horsepower with 272 hp, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with superior torque delivery, boasting 295 lb-ft compared to the Acura's 280 lb-ft.

Is the C-Class’s higher MPG worth the extra cost?

The C-Class achieves 4 MPG better combined (29 MPG vs. 25 MPG), which helps offset some of its $3,050 higher MSRP over many years of driving.

Which vehicle offers better standard driving configuration for performance?

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes standard with a rear-wheel-drive setup, often preferred by driving enthusiasts, whereas the Acura TLX comes standard with front-wheel drive.

Are the size differences noticeable in interior space?

While the TLX is wider overall, the C-Class is noticeably shorter in length; however, the TLX provides substantially more storage with 13.5 cu ft versus the C-Class's 11.6 cu ft.