2025 Audi S6 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$75,900 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

So, you're stuck deciding between the muscle of the 2025 Audi S6 sedan and the sleek style of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe. This isn't an easy choice, as one prioritizes performance while the other leans into efficiency and savings. The Audi S6 commands a higher MSRP at $75,900, significantly more than the CLE's $59,550—a difference of $16,350 right off the bat. Power delivery heavily favors the Audi, boasting 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque compared to the Mercedes' 255 hp. However, that power comes at an efficiency cost; the S6 only achieves 22 MPG combined, while the smaller CLE nets a strong 27 MPG combined. While both offer AWD, the Audi provides slightly more practicality with 13.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi S6

The Audi S6 is the better choice for families needing slightly more practicality, offering 13.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S6

The Audi S6 is the enthusiast favorite, offering significantly more power with 444 hp compared to the CLE's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE offers far better overall value, undercutting the Audi S6's price by $16,350 while still providing AWD capability.

Choose the Audi S6 if...

You demand near-supercar acceleration, given the Audi S6’s 444 hp output.
You prefer the traditional versatility and roominess of a four-door sedan body style.
You require the maximum available cargo capacity of 13.7 cu ft between the two options.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Saving money upfront is key, as the CLE is $16,350 less expensive than the S6.
You prioritize fuel efficiency, enjoying the 27 MPG combined rating over the S6's 22 MPG.
You prefer a more nimble experience with the 9-speed automatic transmission versus the S6's 8-speed.

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

Is the extra power of the Audi S6 worth the higher fuel cost?

That depends on your priorities; the S6 has 189 more horsepower (444 hp vs 255 hp), but it burns more fuel, achieving only 22 MPG combined compared to the CLE's 27 MPG combined.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Audi S6 to purchase?

The Audi S6 has a starting MSRP of $75,900, which is $16,350 more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE listed at $59,550.

Which vehicle is better for road trips regarding cargo space?

The Audi S6 offers 13.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is slightly better than the Mercedes-Benz CLE's 11.2 cubic feet, making the sedan marginally more practical for luggage.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi S6 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance figures.

Are there any significant differences in size between the coupe and the sedan?

The Audi S6 sedan is slightly larger, measuring 195.0 inches long, whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe is 191.0 inches long, making the CLE fractionally easier to park.

How does the transmission affect the driving feel in these two cars?

The CLE uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic for potentially smoother cruising and efficiency, while the S6 uses an 8-speed automatic mated to its more powerful engine.