2025 Audi S4 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Audi S4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the substantial 94 horsepower deficit in the Mercedes, generating only 255 hp compared to the Audi's 349 hp. This performance gap is further reinforced by the S4's 369 lb-ft of torque versus the CLE's 295 lb-ft. Priced at $54,900, the S4 undercuts the CLE's $59,550 MSRP by $4,650. Fuel efficiency slightly favors the coupe, with the CLE achieving 27 combined MPG against the S4's 24 combined MPG. Both vehicles utilize all-wheel drive systems, though the S4 offers 12 cubic feet of cargo space, marginally eclipsing the CLE's 11.2 cubic feet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE offers superior fuel economy at 27 combined MPG compared to the Audi S4's 24 combined MPG.
2025 Audi S4
The Audi S4 is structurally better suited for carrying passengers with its sedan body style and slightly larger 12 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
2025 Audi S4
The Audi S4 delivers significantly higher performance metrics with 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Audi S4
The Audi S4 provides 94 more horsepower for $4,650 less than the Mercedes-Benz CLE.
Choose the Audi S4 if...
- Maximum straight-line performance is a priority, as the S4 produces 349 hp.
- Budget constraints favor a lower initial outlay, with an MSRP of $54,900.
- You prefer a traditional four-door sedan layout and need the accessible 12 cu ft cargo volume.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- A dedicated two-door coupe aesthetic is desired, classifying it as the 2026 CLE.
- Slightly better fuel economy is critical, evidenced by 24/33 MPG city/highway ratings.
- The driver prefers a vehicle equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission over the S4's 8-speed.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S4 | Mercedes-Benz CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 191.0" |
| Width | 72.7" | 73.3" |
| Height | 56.2" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 112.8" |
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 Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 349 hp @ 6300 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 3200 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 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) | 20/29 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 306.0/443.7 mi. | 417.6/574.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 17.4 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 | ✓ | — |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Automatic 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 | 11.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | 710W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 17 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 2 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Burmester |
| Surround Audio | — | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.3 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Massage Function | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 37.4 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 34.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 245/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| 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. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | — | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | — | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | — | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S4 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
How does the mandated fuel requirement differ between the S4 and the CLE?
The 2025 Audi S4 recommends premium unleaded fuel for its engine operation. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its operation.
Which vehicle offers better passenger utility based on body style and size?
The Audi S4, being a sedan, offers easier ingress/egress for rear passengers compared to the two-door Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe configuration.
Is the difference in acceleration noticeable given the power gap?
Yes, the 94 horsepower advantage held by the S4 (349 hp vs. 255 hp) will result in significantly quicker acceleration figures compared to the CLE.
Do both vehicles come equipped with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi S4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE feature an all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction.
What is the physical size difference between the two models?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is slightly longer at 191.0 inches versus the S4's 187.5 inches, and marginally wider at 73.3 inches compared to 72.7 inches.
How close are the base pricing figures?
The pricing difference is $4,650, with the Audi S4 starting at $54,900 and the Mercedes-Benz CLE listed at $59,550.
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