2025 Audi A6 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$58,100 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A6 enters the fray as the practical yet polished choice, boasting 261 horsepower and a robust 13.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, appealing to those who demand sophistication without sacrificing utility. Conversely, the sleek 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE, positioned as a stylish coupe, tempts with a marginally lower MSRP of $59,550 compared to the A6's $58,100, offering a more engaging profile at 191.0 inches long. While the A6 prioritizes space, the CLE counters with a slight efficiency edge, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Audi's 26 MPG, despite both requiring premium unleaded fuel. Furthermore, the Mercedes commands slightly more low-end pulling power with 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Audi's 273 lb-ft, signaling a punchier response off the line, even though the A6 has the advantage in outright horsepower.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi A6

The 2025 Audi A6 offers a slightly better overall fuel economy rating at 26 MPG combined, making daily runs potentially cheaper.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A6

The sedan configuration of the Audi A6 provides superior practicality with 13.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE promises a more dynamic experience with its higher torque output of 295 lb-ft and a 9-speed transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi A6

The Audi A6 starts at a lower MSRP of $58,100 while offering the advantages of a more practical sedan body style.

Choose the Audi A6 if...

You require the practicality of a sedan body style with slightly more generous exterior dimensions (194.4 inches long).
You prioritize cargo space, as the A6 offers 13.7 cu ft versus 11.2 cu ft in the CLE.
You prefer a marginally higher peak horsepower figure of 261 hp delivered through a sophisticated 7-speed automated manual.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You are drawn to the sportier, lower stance of a coupe, measuring only 56.2 inches in height.
You value immediate acceleration potential, thanks to the CLE's 295 lb-ft of torque.
You want the best highway efficiency, achieving 33 MPG compared to the A6's 31 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A6	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	194.4"	191.0"
Width	74.3"	73.3"
Height	57.4"	56.2"
Wheelbase	115.1"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

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 @ 5000 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 1600 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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/31 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	463.2/598.3 mi.	417.6/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
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	710W
Speaker System	10	17
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	34.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/45R H	245/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 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 A6 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

Which vehicle is significantly faster off the line based on these specifications?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE holds an edge in potential low-end response due to its higher torque rating of 295 lb-ft, which exceeds the Audi A6's 273 lb-ft. While the A6 has more horsepower at 261 hp versus 255 hp, torque delivery often dictates initial feel.

How much does the body style affect daily usability between these two cars?

The Audi A6, being a sedan, offers easier access and significantly more trunk space at 13.7 cubic feet. The CLE, as a coupe, sacrifices practicality for aesthetics, providing only 11.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which may limit luggage capacity.

Is there a major difference in fuel economy that warrants consideration?

The difference is slight, with the Mercedes CLE leading at 27 MPG combined compared to the Audi A6's 26 MPG combined. Both require premium unleaded fuel and share the same 24 MPG city rating.

Which vehicle is the more budget-friendly purchase upfront?

The 2025 Audi A6 presents a lower entry point with an MSRP of $58,100, undercutting the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE's $59,550 starting price.

Do the transmissions offer distinct driving dynamics?

Yes, the Audi utilizes a 7-speed automated manual, known for crisp shifts, whereas the Mercedes employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic, suggesting a broader spread of gears for either efficiency or acceleration.

Are the external dimensions drastically different for parking purposes?

The Mercedes CLE is slightly more compact overall, measuring 191.0 inches long and 73.3 inches wide, compared to the A6's 194.4 inches in length and 74.3 inches in width, offering marginal benefits in tight spaces.