2025 Audi A7 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi A7 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the $14,000 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the CLE starting at $58,000 compared to the A7's $72,000. Performance metrics also show a substantial gap, as the A7 delivers 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the CLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the smaller CLE, achieving 27 MPG combined against the A7's 25 MPG combined. In terms of utility, the A7, despite being longer at 195.6 inches, offers more than double the usable space, boasting 24.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft. The A7’s premium positioning is evident across its higher output figures, whereas the CLE emphasizes efficiency and a lower entry barrier.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuting due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Audi A7's 25 MPG.
2025 Audi A7
The Audi A7 is the choice for families, offering 24.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.
2025 Audi A7
Enthusiasts will prefer the Audi A7 for its substantial power advantage, producing 335 hp against the CLE's 255 hp.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE provides greater value by offering comparable AWD capability at a $14,000 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Audi A7 if...
- You prioritize significant performance metrics, evidenced by 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
- You require maximum cargo utility, as the A7 offers 24.9 cu ft.
- You prefer the larger exterior dimensions provided by the A7’s 195.6-inch length.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- Budget is primary, given the $14,000 lower MSRP ($58,000 versus $72,000).
- Slightly better fuel economy is desired, with the CLE achieving 27 MPG combined.
- You prefer the engagement of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the A7's 7-speed automated manual.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A7 | Mercedes-Benz CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.6" | 191.0" |
| Width | 75.1" | 73.3" |
| Height | 56.0" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 115.2" | 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 Height 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 | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 335 hp @ 6100 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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 (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 424.6/579.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 710W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 17 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Infotainment Display | — | 11.9 in |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Burmester |
| 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 | 37.0 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.2 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 | 37.1 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 34.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 255/40R20 | 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 A7 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
What is the primary functional difference between the 2025 Audi A7 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE?
The Audi A7 functions as a larger, more powerful luxury sedan with superior cargo capacity at 24.9 cu ft. The Mercedes-Benz CLE is positioned as a more compact coupe, prioritizing efficiency and a lower price point.
How does the price difference impact the overall specification disparity?
The $14,000 price gap directly correlates with the performance disparity; the A7 costs more but delivers 80 more horsepower (335 hp vs 255 hp) and 74 more lb-ft of torque.
Is the A7 much larger than the CLE?
Yes, the Audi A7 is noticeably longer at 195.6 inches compared to the CLE’s 191.0 inches, though they share a similar height profile around 56.0 to 56.2 inches.
Which vehicle requires premium fuel?
Both vehicles specify premium unleaded fuel, but the A7 notes it as recommended, while the CLE mandates it for operation.
How does the cargo space comparison affect utility?
The A7 provides 24.9 cu ft of cargo space, which is more than double the 11.2 cu ft offered by the Mercedes-Benz CLE, making the A7 far more practical for carrying luggage.
Do both cars offer similar drivetrains?
Both models feature All-Wheel Drive, but they utilize different automatic transmissions: the A7 uses a 7-speed automated manual, while the CLE employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic.
More Premium Sedans ($50k-$80k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool