2025 Audi A7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Audi A7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE boils down to prioritizing sleek utility over aggressive agility, especially given the $12,450 MSRP gap. The Audi A7, priced at $72,000, offers substantial practicality with 24.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, far exceeding the CLE's 11.2 cu ft, making it better suited for hauling family gear or significant luggage. Power seekers will note the A7 boasts 335 hp versus the CLE's 255 hp, an 80 hp advantage for the Audi. However, the smaller CLE compensates slightly with superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the A7's 25 combined MPG. Both offer standard All-Wheel Drive, but the A7's slightly longer 195.6-inch frame suggests a roomier cabin experience overall, though the CLE is marginally taller.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the winner for commuters due to its better fuel economy ratings of 24/33 MPG City/Highway.
2025 Audi A7
The Audi A7 is clearly the family choice, offering more than double the trunk space with 24.9 cu ft versus the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.
2025 Audi A7
Enthusiasts will favor the A7 because it provides significantly more power with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE presents better initial value with an MSRP of $59,550, saving buyers $12,450 compared to the A7.
Choose the Audi A7 if...
- You require maximum luggage capacity, as the Audi A7 offers a substantial 24.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prioritize outright performance, benefiting from the A7's 335 hp engine.
- You prefer the larger physical footprint of a 195.6-inch sedan for on-road presence and presumed interior space.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- Saving $12,450 upfront is a priority, with the CLE's MSRP sitting at $59,550.
- You drive longer highway stretches and prioritize efficiency, given the CLE's 33 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer the gear flexibility 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Audi A7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE?
The Audi A7 holds a major advantage here, delivering 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, resulting in an 80 hp gap favoring the A7.
Is the Audi A7 practical for carrying luggage compared to the CLE?
Yes, the A7 is vastly more practical for cargo. It boasts 24.9 cu ft of space, which is more than double the 11.2 cu ft offered by the Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe.
Which car is cheaper to run concerning fuel costs?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is slightly more efficient, achieving 27 combined MPG (24 city/33 highway), compared to the 2025 Audi A7’s 25 combined MPG (22 city/30 highway).
Do these vehicles require the same type of gasoline?
The fuel requirements differ slightly; the Audi A7 recommends premium unleaded, whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLE officially requires premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.
How much money can I save by choosing the CLE over the A7?
Based on the listed MSRPs, opting for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE at $59,550 saves you $12,450 compared to the 2025 Audi A7, which starts at $72,000.
Which car provides a better driving experience for spirited driving?
The Audi A7 is positioned for spirited driving due to its superior power output (335 hp vs. 255 hp) and higher torque figure (369 lb-ft).
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