2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs 2026 Audi A6
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE captivates with its elegant coupe silhouette, offering a respectable 255 hp and achieving 27 MPG combined, making it the slightly more frugal choice. Conversely, the 2026 Audi A6 sedan blasts onto the scene with a commanding 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, promising exhilarating performance right out of the gate. This significant 107 hp advantage favors dynamic driving, though the A6 carries a $6,100 higher MSRP at $64,100 compared to the CLE’s $58,000 starting point. While both offer sophisticated all-wheel drive systems, the A6's larger 13.5 cu ft cargo capacity edges out the CLE's 11.2 cu ft. For buyers prioritizing raw power and space, the A6 dominates, but the CLE presents a sharper entry price and marginally better highway cruising potential.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuters due to its slightly higher combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG.
2026 Audi A6
The 2026 Audi A6 is better suited for families as it offers a larger 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLE's 11.2 cu ft.
2026 Audi A6
The 2026 Audi A6 offers significantly greater straight-line excitement with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE provides an appealing premium experience starting at a $6,100 lower MSRP of $58,000.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- You desire an elegant coupe design for under $60,000, with an MSRP of just $58,000.
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the smoother operation of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Audi A6 if...
- You demand potent acceleration provided by 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
- You need more usable space, benefiting from the A6's 13.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer the slightly larger footprint of the A6 sedan, measuring 196.8 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLE | Audi A6 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.0" | 196.8" |
| Width | 73.3" | 73.8" |
| Height | 56.2" | 57.4" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 115.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 362 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 406 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 417.6/574.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.9 in | 14.5 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Burmester | — |
| Stereo Power | 710W | — |
| Speaker System | 17 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | — |
| 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 | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Fixed Electrochromatic Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.1 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.0 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.2 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.4 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 245/45R18 | 245/45R H |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE and 2026 Audi A6.
How significant is the performance gap between the two vehicles?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Audi A6 boasts 362 hp, yielding a 107 hp advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE's 255 hp. This means the A6 offers significantly superior acceleration and driving dynamism.
Which car makes more sense for a daily driver focused on fuel efficiency?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE has the edge in efficiency, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the A6’s likely lower figure (MPG was not provided for the A6, but performance metrics suggest lower efficiency). Furthermore, the CLE requires premium fuel, just like the A6.
Is the Audi A6’s higher price justified by its features over the CLE?
The Audi A6 carries a $6,100 premium over the CLE, costing $64,100 versus $58,000. This premium buys you significantly more horsepower and slightly increased interior/cargo room in a sedan body style.
Does the body style impact utility between these models?
Yes, the A6 is a sedan providing 13.5 cu ft of cargo room, whereas the CLE is a coupe offering only 11.2 cu ft. The A6 is also marginally larger in overall dimensions.
Are the drivetrain specifications comparable?
Both utilize sophisticated all-wheel drive systems, but they feature different transmissions; the CLE uses a 9-speed automatic, while the A6 pairs its power with a 7-speed automated manual, reflecting different engineering philosophies.
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