2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$48,450 · Sedan

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class thrills with its more potent, 255 hp engine, demanding premium unleaded to deliver a spirited 29 MPG combined, embodying traditional German precision. Conversely, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 presents a compelling American alternative, featuring a slightly larger footprint at 193.8 inches long and offering 11.9 cu ft of cargo space, slightly edging out the Mercedes' 11.6 cu ft. While the C-Class boasts 295 lb-ft of torque versus the CT5's 258 lb-ft, the Cadillac is more forgiving on fuel requirements, listing premium as recommended rather than required. The C-Class is significantly more compact (187.0 inches long), hinting at more agile city handling compared to the more substantial CT5, which uses a 10-speed automatic versus the C-Class’s 9-speed unit, suggesting Cadillac prioritizes smooth, top-end cruising efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG compared to the Cadillac's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 offers slightly more utility with a marginally larger cargo capacity of 11.9 cu ft versus the C-Class's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 255 horsepower and higher 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Despite similar MSRPs, the C-Class offers better efficiency metrics, making it a slightly better long-term value proposition for fuel savings.

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

You demand sharper acceleration supported by 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, as evidenced by its 29 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle profile measuring 187.0 inches in length for easier urban maneuvering.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You prefer the Cadillac's recommendation for premium fuel over the Mercedes' requirement.
You appreciate the smoother shifting experience potentially offered by the 10-speed automatic transmission.
You need the marginally greater storage space provided by its 11.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

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

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	10-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	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	435.0/609.0 mi.	391.0/544.0 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.0 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	53.7 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	245/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 CT5.

Which sedan is more powerful for spirited driving between the 2025 C-Class and the 2026 CT5?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the more potent machine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making the Mercedes the clear choice for outright power.

How do the fuel requirements and mileage compare for these rear-wheel-drive sedans?

The C-Class achieves 29 MPG combined but strictly requires premium unleaded fuel. The CT5 trails slightly with 26 MPG combined, yet its premium fuel usage is only recommended, offering minor operational flexibility.

Is there a significant difference in size that impacts practicality?

The Cadillac CT5 is noticeably longer, measuring 193.8 inches compared to the C-Class's 187.0 inches, and it offers slightly more utility with 11.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the C-Class's 11.6 cu ft.

What is the price difference between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the 2026 Cadillac CT5?

The starting MSRPs are nearly identical, with the C-Class listed at $48,450 and the CT5 slightly higher at $48,600.

Which vehicle utilizes a more advanced transmission setup?

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic.

For city commuting, which car offers better potential fuel economy?

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is rated higher for city driving at 25 MPG compared to the Cadillac CT5's 23 MPG city rating, potentially saving fuel during stop-and-go traffic.