2025 Cadillac CT5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$47,595 · Sedan

$49,650 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 explodes onto the scene with classic American RWD aggression, offering 237 hp and a comfortable 193.8 inches of length. Its 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space provides a slight utility edge over the sleeker 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which prioritizes efficiency and modern refinement. The C-Class boasts superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the CT5's 26, and demands slightly less commitment at the pump with a lower city MPG of 25 versus 23. Furthermore, the C-Class delivers more accessible performance with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the CT5's 258 lb-ft. While the Mercedes is priced higher at $49,650 against the Cadillac's $47,595, the German contender packs a more potent punch under the hood and sips fuel more sparingly, setting up a compelling dynamic between American muscle appeal and German efficiency mastery.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 35 highway MPG versus the CT5's 32 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Cadillac CT5

The CT5 offers marginally more usable space with 11.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the C-Class's 11.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Enthusiasts will favor the C-Class's higher power output, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac CT5

The CT5 presents better initial value with a lower MSRP of $47,595 compared to the C-Class's $49,650.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You prioritize a lower entry price, starting at just $47,595.
You appreciate the traditional RWD stance combined with a long, assertive profile measuring 193.8 inches.
You need the slightly greater physical storage volume provided by 11.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if...

Maximum fuel savings are paramount, given its 29 combined MPG rating.
You demand higher immediate power figures, boasting 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a more compact and agile footprint, indicated by its shorter 187.0-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac CT5	Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Length	193.8"	187.0"
Width	74.1"	74.4"
Height	57.2"	56.6"
Wheelbase	116.0"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	✓
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	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	237 hp @ 5000 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/32 MPG	25/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.0/544.0 mi.	435.0/609.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.0 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	33.0 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	AKG	—
Speaker System	15	5
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	53.7 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	12-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.9 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.7 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Size	245/45R18	245/40R18
Tire Type	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT5 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Which sedan is quicker off the line based on these specifications?

While exact 0-60 mph times are not provided, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class appears mechanically quicker due to its superior output of 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the Cadillac CT5's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy for a daily driver?

The Mercedes C-Class holds a clear advantage with 29 combined MPG versus the CT5's 26 combined MPG, meaning the C-Class will require fewer stops at the premium fuel pump over the course of a year.

Does the difference in size affect interior comfort or maneuverability?

The Cadillac CT5 is substantially longer at 193.8 inches compared to the C-Class's 187.0 inches, suggesting the CT5 might offer slightly more rear passenger room, although both share a similar width of approximately 74 inches.

What is the transmission difference between the two RWD sedans?

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 utilizes a robust 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering more gear ratios for potentially smoother transitions, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic.

Are both vehicles happy with regular fuel?

No, neither vehicle settles for regular gasoline; the Cadillac CT5 recommends premium unleaded, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its performance metrics.

If I need to carry luggage, which vehicle provides more space?

The Cadillac CT5 wins narrowly on paper, offering 11.9 cubic feet of trunk space compared to the C-Class's 11.6 cubic feet, giving the Cadillac a slight edge for hauling groceries or weekend bags.