2025 Audi A5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The battle between the 2025 Audi A5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA pits potent capability against sophisticated efficiency. The Audi A5 explodes off the line with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, delivering a thrilling all-wheel-drive experience, despite its slightly thirstier 26 MPG combined rating and higher $48,400 MSRP. Conversely, the sleek Mercedes-Benz CLA charms with superior economy, achieving an impressive 30 MPG combined from its 221 hp engine, while undercutting the Audi by a substantial $5,650 in entry price. The A5 leverages its larger footprint to offer double the cargo space at 21.8 cu ft versus the CLA's 11.6 cu ft, showcasing a clear split: the Audi excels in raw power and utility, whereas the CLA prioritizes accessible luxury and fiscal sense, boasting 40 more horsepower for the Audi while offering 4 MPG better efficiency for the Benz.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Audi A5's 26 MPG.
2025 Audi A5
The 2025 Audi A5 is the family choice because its hatchback configuration offers significantly more utility with 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 11.6 cu ft in the CLA sedan.
2025 Audi A5
Enthusiasts will favor the 2025 Audi A5 for its noticeable performance edge, boasting 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque alongside standard all-wheel drive.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA delivers better overall value by undercutting the Audi A5's price by $5,650.
Choose the Audi A5 if...
- You demand quicker acceleration provided by the 261 hp engine.
- You require maximum hauling capability, benefiting from 21.8 cu ft of hatchback cargo space.
- You prefer the enhanced traction and stability of standard all-wheel drive.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- You are highly budget-conscious and want to save $5,650 on the initial purchase price.
- Maximizing fuel economy is critical, as the CLA delivers 30 MPG combined.
- You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle, as the CLA is 2.6 inches shorter in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A5 | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A5 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Is the Audi A5 or the Mercedes-Benz CLA more powerful?
The 2025 Audi A5 is distinctly more powerful, generating 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This is a difference of 40 horsepower over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, which produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
How much more cargo space does the Audi A5 offer than the CLA?
The Audi A5 hatchback offers nearly double the storage capacity compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan. The A5 provides 21.8 cu ft, whereas the CLA is limited to 11.6 cu ft, making the A5 much more practical for hauling gear.
Which car is the more economical choice for daily driving?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the more economical choice, achieving 30 MPG combined against the Audi A5's 26 MPG combined rating. This 4 MPG advantage translates to fewer stops at the pump.
What is the main difference in drivetrain and required fuel?
The Audi A5 features standard all-wheel drive and recommends premium unleaded fuel. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is front-wheel drive and explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its operation.
How significant is the price gap between the two models?
There is a significant $5,650 MSRP difference favoring the Mercedes-Benz CLA, listed at $42,750 compared to the Audi A5's starting price of $48,400.
Does the transmission choice affect performance metrics?
While both use automated manuals, the Audi A5 utilizes a 7-speed unit, potentially favoring quick shifts to manage its higher power output, while the CLA uses an 8-speed unit to better capitalize on its efficiency goals.
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