2025 Audi A4 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$44,100 · Sedan

$42,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA often boils down to prioritizing performance versus efficiency in a compact luxury package. If raw power is your top concern, the Audi A4 dominates with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the CLA's 221 hp. However, this comes at a cost, as the A4 trails in fuel economy, achieving a combined 26 MPG compared to the CLA’s superior 30 MPG combined rating. The price difference is minor, with the CLA starting lower at $42,750 versus the A4’s $44,100. Furthermore, the Audi’s slightly larger footprint (187.5 inches long) offers marginally more interior space, although both offer tight cargo areas around 11.6 to 12 cubic feet. Your choice hinges on whether you prefer the A4's muscle or the CLA's cost-saving efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy, delivering 30 MPG combined versus the A4's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A4

The 2025 Audi A4 takes the slight edge for families because its 187.5-inch length likely offers marginally more usable cabin space than the CLA.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A4

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Audi A4 for its significantly higher power output, boasting 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers better overall value starting at a lower MSRP of $42,750 and achieving better fuel mileage.

Choose the Audi A4 if...

You demand brisk acceleration and need the full 261 hp the Audi offers.
You prefer the stability of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
You want the slightly larger overall dimensions, as the A4 is 187.5 inches long.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...

Saving money at the pump is crucial, as the CLA achieves 30 MPG combined.
You are looking for a slightly more affordable entry point with an MSRP of $42,750.
You prioritize slightly better efficiency, demonstrated by its 36 MPG highway rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A4	Mercedes-Benz CLA
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	—	✓
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Which car is faster off the line between the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

The 2025 Audi A4 is factually faster due to its superior engine output, producing 261 horsepower compared to the CLA's 221 horsepower. This 40 hp advantage suggests quicker acceleration times in real-world driving scenarios.

Is the mandatory premium fuel the same cost consideration for both sedans?

Yes, both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, meaning the running cost for fuel type is identical. However, the CLA will require fewer fill-ups because of its 30 MPG combined rating versus the A4's 26 MPG combined rating.

Does the Audi A4's All-Wheel Drive system justify its higher price point?

The A4 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better traction than the CLA's Front-Wheel Drive setup, which might be crucial depending on your local climate. This feature contributes to its $44,100 MSRP compared to the CLA's $42,750 price.

How significant is the difference in cargo capacity between these two models?

The difference is minimal; the A4 offers 12 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly edging out the CLA’s 11.6 cubic feet. Neither car offers vast storage, reflecting their focus as compact luxury sedans.

Which sedan offers a better highway cruising experience based on the specifications?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA might be better for long highway cruises due to its significantly higher highway fuel economy rating of 36 MPG. The Audi A4 achieves 32 MPG highway, meaning the CLA will keep you stopping for gas less often.

Are the physical dimensions vastly different, affecting parking ease?

They are very similar in size, but the CLA is slightly narrower and shorter overall at 184.6 inches long compared to the A4's 187.5 inches. Both are similarly sized for urban maneuvering.