2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2026 Cadillac CT4

$48,450 · Sedan

$35,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

When trying to decide between established luxury and accessible sophistication, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the 2026 Cadillac CT4 present a genuine dilemma. The most striking difference is the price; the Mercedes starts at a significant $48,450, compared to the Cadillac’s $35,600 MSRP, a difference of $12,850 right out of the gate. While the C-Class pulls ahead in power with 255 hp versus the CT4's 237 hp, the Mercedes only nets 29 MPG combined, slightly beating the Cadillac's 26 MPG combined. Furthermore, the C-Class demands premium fuel, whereas the CT4 only recommends it. Both offer a sophisticated RWD experience, but prospective buyers must weigh the superior polish and performance metrics of the Mercedes against the compelling cost savings offered by the Cadillac.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class offers marginally better fuel economy at 29 MPG combined and a smoother nine-speed transmission for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Despite both being compact sedans, the C-Class offers slightly more usable trunk space at 11.6 cubic feet compared to the CT4's 10.7 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class provides higher output with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering a clear performance edge over the CT4.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 delivers a very competitive package starting at $35,600, saving the buyer $12,850 compared to the entry-level Mercedes.

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

You prioritize superior engine refinement and performance, evidenced by the 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You appreciate the efficiency of a 9-speed automatic transmission for smoother highway cruising.
You require the marginal extra storage space provided by its 11.6 cu ft cargo capacity.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

Saving $12,850 on the initial purchase price is a major factor, with an MSRP of $35,600.
You prefer not to be mandated to use premium fuel, as the CT4 only recommends it.
You need a slightly narrower footprint for tight city parking, measuring 71.4 inches wide compared to the C-Class's 74.4 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz C-Class	Cadillac CT4
Length	187.0"	187.2"
Width	74.4"	71.4"
Height	56.6"	56.0"
Wheelbase	112.8"	109.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/35 MPG	22/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	435.0/609.0 mi.	374.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	17.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
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	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	11.9 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	5	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	53.0 in.

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	52.5 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Size	245/40R18	P225/45R17
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in
Tire Type	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 2026 Cadillac CT4.

Is the price difference between the Mercedes C-Class and Cadillac CT4 worth the added horsepower?

The C-Class is $12,850 more expensive, offering 255 hp versus the CT4's 237 hp. Whether that extra 18 horsepower is worth the significant premium depends entirely on your budget priority versus your desire for peak performance in this segment.

Which car is better for long highway commutes based on fuel economy?

The 2025 C-Class has a slight edge here, achieving 35 MPG on the highway compared to the CT4's 32 MPG highway rating. However, remember the Mercedes requires costly premium fuel for that efficiency.

How similar are the exterior dimensions of these two sedans?

They are very close in overall length (187.0 inches for the C-Class vs. 187.2 inches for the CT4). The main difference is width, where the Cadillac is noticeably narrower at 71.4 inches, potentially making it easier to maneuver and park.

Does the transmission difference impact driving feel between the 9-speed and 8-speed units?

The C-Class uses a 9-speed automatic while the CT4 uses an 8-speed automatic; generally, the extra gear in the C-Class helps it optimize cruising RPMs for slightly better efficiency (29 combined MPG).

If I frequently carry luggage, does the cargo capacity differ significantly?

The difference is modest but present; the C-Class offers 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is just shy of one cubic foot more than the Cadillac CT4's 10.7 cubic feet.

Are both of these vehicles primarily focused on performance or efficiency?

Both offer performance pedigree with RWD layouts and premium fuel requirements, but the C-Class leans slightly more towards performance (higher torque/HP) and efficiency (better MPG) when comparing the base trims provided.