2025 Audi A5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$48,400 · Hatchback

$44,400 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The battle for entry-level luxury supremacy pits the athletic 2025 Audi A5 Hatchback against the stylish 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Sedan. The A5 excites with a muscular 261 hp and standard quattro all-wheel drive, promising superior grip through its 7-speed automated manual, though it asks for a premium at $48,400 and manages only 26 combined MPG. Conversely, the CLA-Class charms with its stunning design and wallet-friendly starting price of $44,400, while its FWD setup helps deliver a very respectable 30 combined MPG. Despite having 40 fewer horsepower than the Audi (221 hp vs 261 hp), the CLA compensates with a notably larger cargo area in the rear, though it is significantly smaller than the A5's 21.8 cu ft hatchback opening, measuring just 11.6 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize accessible efficiency and savings or spirited, sure-footed performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG, offering significant savings over the Audi A5's 26 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A5

The 2025 Audi A5 dominates the family quotient with nearly double the cargo capacity at 21.8 cu ft compared to the CLA-Class's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A5

The 2025 Audi A5 offers superior performance with 261 hp and standard all-wheel drive, making it the more dynamically engaging choice.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class provides excellent style and efficiency for $4,000 less than the Audi A5.

Choose the Audi A5 if...

You require the security and sure-footedness of standard all-wheel drive.
You need maximum utility from a hatchback body style, offering 21.8 cu ft of cargo space.
You prioritize outright power, benefiting from 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

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

Maximizing fuel economy is crucial, achieving 30 combined MPG.
You want the more affordable entry point at $44,400, saving $4,000 upfront.
You prefer the traditional three-box sedan silhouette over a hatchback design.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A5	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Length	187.2"	184.6"
Width	72.6"	72.0"
Height	54.6"	56.7"
Wheelbase	111.2"	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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height 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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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 (recommended)	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	✓	—
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	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	—
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 Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 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	37.0 in.	35.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	33.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	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 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 A5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

How much more powerful is the Audi A5 than the CLA-Class?

The 2025 Audi A5 boasts 261 horsepower, providing a substantial 40 hp advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, which is rated at 221 hp.

Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more efficient option, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 City/36 Highway) compared to the Audi A5’s 26 combined MPG (23 City/32 Highway).

Does the drive type significantly affect performance between these two?

Yes, the A5 comes standard with all-wheel drive, typically enhancing grip and handling stability, whereas the CLA-Class utilizes front-wheel drive.

What is the $4,000 price difference accounted for in features?

While specific feature alignment isn't detailed, the Audi A5’s higher MSRP of $48,400 is likely attributed to its higher power output, standard AWD system, and the practicality of its hatchback body style.

How much more cargo room does the A5 hatchback offer?

The Audi A5 provides nearly double the usable space with 21.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly outpacing the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class sedan's 11.6 cubic feet.