2025 Audi A4 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$44,100 · Sedan

$48,450 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class pits German precision against dynamic refinement. The A4 excites with its standard quattro all-wheel drive and a potent 261 hp output paired with 273 lb-ft of torque, appealing to drivers seeking assured traction. Conversely, the C-Class boasts superior efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined, five points higher than the Audi's 26 MPG combined, while delivering 295 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the Audi's torque figure. Design-wise, the Mercedes is broader at 74.4 inches wide compared to the A4's 72.7 inches, suggesting a different on-road presence. Although the A4 offers slightly more cargo space at 12 cubic feet versus 11.6 cubic feet, the $4,350 MSRP gap makes the Mercedes the more premium proposition right out of the gate. Both promise sophisticated driving experiences, but they cater to slightly different priorities in handling and economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class wins for daily commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the Audi A4's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4 provides marginally more usable storage space with 12 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the C-Class's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4 offers higher peak horsepower at 261 hp and standard all-wheel drive for engaging performance in varied conditions.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4 is the better value proposition, boasting a significantly lower starting MSRP of $44,100 against the C-Class's $48,450.

Choose the Audi A4 if...

You prioritize outright power, as the 2025 Audi A4 delivers 261 hp compared to the C-Class's 255 hp.
You want the added security and stability of standard all-wheel drive across all trims.
You seek a lower entry price point, saving $4,350 with the A4's $44,100 MSRP.

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

Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the C-Class achieves 35 highway MPG versus the A4's 32 highway MPG.
You prefer the slightly higher torque delivery of 295 lb-ft to feel more responsive off the line.
You desire the smoother feel of a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission over the A4's 7-speed automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A4	Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Length	187.5"	187.0"
Width	72.7"	74.4"
Height	56.2"	56.6"
Wheelbase	111.0"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp @ 6300 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 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	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/32 MPG	25/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/489.6 mi.	435.0/609.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	5
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	55.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/40R H	245/40R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Which sedan offers better fuel economy for highway driving?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes the efficiency crown, rated for 35 MPG on the highway, noticeably beating the Audi A4's 32 MPG highway rating. This difference makes the C-Class the more economical choice for long, steady cruises.

How does the drivetrain setup impact driving dynamics?

The Audi A4 comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, providing superior traction, especially in adverse weather, backed by 261 hp. In contrast, the C-Class features rear-wheel drive, which enthusiasts often prefer for a more balanced, purer handling feel, despite having slightly less horsepower at 255 hp.

Is the extra cost of the Mercedes C-Class worth it over the Audi A4?

The C-Class commands a $4,350 premium over the A4's $44,100 starting price. While the C-Class offers 295 lb-ft of torque, the A4 is significantly cheaper while offering better horsepower and marginally better cargo capacity.

Which vehicle provides a better setup for carrying luggage?

The 2025 Audi A4 holds a slight advantage in usable space, offering 12 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class provides 11.6 cubic feet. This difference is minor but technically favors the Audi for trunk volume.

Are both vehicles quick off the line?

Both sedans offer impressive grunt, but the C-Class wins on pure pulling power with 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the A4's 273 lb-ft. However, the A4 fights back with a higher peak horsepower rating of 261 hp versus the C-Class's 255 hp.

What is the significance of the required fuel type?

Both the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance figures. This means ongoing running costs will be slightly higher for both models compared to vehicles requiring regular fuel.