2025 Audi S6 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$75,900 · Sedan

$58,000 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi S6 unleashes a muscular 444 horsepower from its potent engine, promising thrilling acceleration that the Mercedes-Benz CLE, with its 255 horsepower, cannot match. Conversely, the CLE shines with its exceptional efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the S6's 22 combined MPG. Design narratives diverge sharply: the S6 presents as a sleek, performance-oriented sedan spanning 195.0 inches, while the CLE dazzles as a more compact, stylish coupe measuring 191.0 inches long. The performance gap is staggering, with the S6 boasting 189 more horsepower, justifying its higher $75,900 MSRP. However, the CLE offers undeniable appeal at $58,000, undercutting the Audi by a significant $17,900 while maintaining AWD capability and a required premium fuel diet for both titans.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy, netting 27 MPG versus the S6's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi S6

The Audi S6 is inherently better suited for families as a four-door sedan with a larger 13.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the two-door CLE.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S6

The Audi S6 delivers the enthusiast's thrill with a commanding 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the CLE's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE offers significantly better value, costing $17,900 less while still providing AWD and required premium fuel performance.

Choose the Audi S6 if...

You demand blistering performance, highlighted by the S6's 444 horsepower output.
You require the practicality and ease of access offered by a four-door sedan body style.
Superior straight-line speed is your top priority, supported by its substantial 442 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Your budget is a firm consideration, as the CLE saves you $17,900 off the initial purchase price.
Optimizing fuel stops is important, given the CLE's better 27 combined MPG rating.
You prefer the emotional appeal and handling dynamics of a dedicated two-door coupe.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S6	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	195.0"	191.0"
Width	74.3"	73.3"
Height	56.9"	56.2"
Wheelbase	115.3"	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	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated 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	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.9 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	444 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	442 lb-ft	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 (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	366.7/521.1 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 and Side 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	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four 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	—	✓
Rear View Camera	—	✓
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
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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 Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	255/35R21	245/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 S6 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi S6 compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The Audi S6 is significantly more potent, delivering 444 horsepower, which is a massive 189 hp advantage over the Mercedes-Benz CLE's 255 horsepower. This difference translates directly to superior acceleration metrics for the S6.

Which vehicle is the better option for long-distance highway driving regarding efficiency?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the efficiency champion, rated for 33 MPG on the highway compared to the Audi S6's 27 MPG highway rating. While both require premium fuel, the CLE costs less to cover the same distance.

Is the price difference between the two cars justified by performance gains?

The Audi S6 commands an MSRP of $75,900, nearly $18,000 more than the CLE's $58,000, primarily because of its extra power and sedan configuration. Enthusiasts might find the extra cost for the 444 hp compelling, but value shoppers will balk at the premium.

Does the Audi S6 offer substantial advantages in terms of usable space?

Yes, as a sedan, the S6 offers a more accommodating structure with 13.7 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the two-door CLE coupe is limited to 11.2 cu ft, making the S6 slightly more practical for carrying luggage or bulkier items.

Are there any differences in transmission types between these AWD models?

Yes, the Audi S6 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE employs a slightly different setup with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Both cars feature All-Wheel Drive; do their sizes affect maneuverability?

The CLE is marginally smaller in all dimensions, being about 4 inches shorter in length (191.0 vs 195.0 inches) and slightly narrower, which could contribute to a marginally tighter turning radius, though both are competitive performance luxury vehicles.