2025 Audi A4 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$44,100 · Sedan

$44,400 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 battle between the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class pits Germanic precision against slick coupe styling. The A4 excites with a punchier powertrain, boasting 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque routed through its standard All-Wheel Drive system, offering true capability in varied conditions. Conversely, the CLA-Class captivates with its rakish silhouette and superior efficiency, netting 30 MPG combined compared to the A4's 26 MPG combined. While the Audi provides a significant 40 hp advantage, the Mercedes undercuts it slightly on price at $44,400 versus $44,100 for the Audi. Dimensions are close, but the A4 is slightly longer at 187.5 inches, offering marginally more space than the CLA's 11.6 cu ft of trunk space. The choice boils down to raw performance versus efficiency wrapped in seductive sheet metal.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA-Class wins for daily commuting due to its superior 30 MPG combined efficiency versus the A4's 26 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A4

The A4 is deemed better for families due to its slightly larger 12.0 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A4

The A4 is the enthusiast choice, offering a significant 261 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4 offers considerably more power (40 hp extra) for a nearly identical MSRP of $44,100.

Choose the Audi A4 if...

You demand superior straight-line performance, leveraging the A4's 261 hp output.
All-weather security is non-negotiable, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You require the slightly higher cargo volume of 12.0 cu ft provided by the sedan body.

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

Maximizing fuel stops is critical, as the CLA delivers 30 MPG combined.
You prefer the styling elegance of a four-door coupe design.
You want to maximize highway cruising range with 36 MPG highway ratings.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A4	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Length	187.5"	184.6"
Width	72.7"	72.0"
Height	56.2"	56.7"
Wheelbase	111.0"	107.4"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated 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	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front 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	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/489.6 mi.	351.0/486.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	13.5 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	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted 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	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Subwoofer Count	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 Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	35.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	33.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	54.0 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	225/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significant is the power difference between the 2025 A4 and CLA-Class?

The Audi A4 holds a substantial advantage, delivering 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which is exactly 40 more horsepower than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's 221 hp. This power difference will be noticeable during acceleration and highway merging maneuvers.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for my daily drive?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the efficiency leader, achieving 30 MPG combined (26 City/36 Highway) versus the Audi A4's 26 MPG combined rating. This efficiency gap makes the CLA cheaper to run over long distances.

Are both cars AWD, and does this affect their handling character?

No, the Audi A4 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing superior traction. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class utilizes a Front Wheel Drive setup, which generally favors fuel economy but may feel less planted in adverse conditions.

Is the difference in cargo space meaningful for practical use?

The difference is minimal but present: the Audi A4 offers 12.0 cu ft, slightly edging out the CLA-Class's 11.6 cu ft. Both vehicles feature modest trunk capacities typical of compact premium sedans.

How close are the starting MSRPs for the base models?

The entry prices are remarkably similar, with the 2025 Audi A4 starting at $44,100 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class listed at $44,400. This means the decision rests far more on performance and efficiency priorities than initial cost.