2026 Cadillac CT4 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$35,600 · Sedan

$49,650 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between luxury entry points can be tough, especially when comparing the sharply priced 2026 Cadillac CT4 against the established 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The most significant hurdle is the $14,050 MSRP gap, with the CT4 starting at $35,600 versus the C-Class’s $49,650. While the Mercedes offers slightly better efficiency (29 combined MPG versus the Cadillac's 26 combined MPG) and superior power figures (255 hp to the CT4’s 237 hp), the CT4 is more nimble and economical to run day-to-day. The Mercedes is notably wider at 74.4 inches compared to the CT4’s 71.4 inches, which might matter in tight city parking. Despite having slightly less cargo space at 10.7 cu ft versus 11.6 cu ft, the CT4 presents a compelling argument for the budget-conscious buyer who still wants a premium, RWD sedan experience.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class wins due to its better fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the CT4's 26 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class provides slightly more usable space, boasting 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes pulls ahead with higher output, delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the CT4's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac CT4

The 2026 Cadillac CT4 delivers a strong luxury RWD experience while significantly undercutting the C-Class by $14,050 at the entry price point.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

You need to save approximately $14,050 on the initial purchase price compared to the C-Class.
You prioritize efficiency in highway driving, where the CT4 achieves 32 MPG.
You prefer the slightly tighter dimensions for easier maneuvering, measuring 187.2 inches long and 71.4 inches wide.

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

You want superior performance figures, including 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
You prioritize fuel economy, as the C-Class delivers 29 combined MPG versus 26 MPG for Car 1.
You require a bit more storage space, as the C-Class offers 11.6 cu ft versus the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic 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 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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	8-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)	22/32 MPG	25/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	374.0/544.0 mi.	435.0/609.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.0 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.5 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.4 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.9 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 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	17 in	—
Tire Size	P225/45R17	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 2026 Cadillac CT4 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

What is the key financial difference between the 2026 Cadillac CT4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The difference is substantial: the 2026 Cadillac CT4 has an MSRP of $35,600, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts at $49,650. This results in a $14,050 price advantage for the Cadillac right off the bat.

Does the extra cost of the C-Class translate to significantly better performance?

Yes, slightly. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, beating the Cadillac CT4's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft. Additionally, the C-Class features a 9-speed automatic transmission versus the CT4's 8-speed.

Which sedan is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the winner for efficiency, netting 29 combined MPG (25 city/35 highway). The 2026 Cadillac CT4 achieves 26 combined MPG (22 city/32 highway).

Are there any notable differences in size that affect usability?

The dimensions are similar, but the C-Class is wider at 74.4 inches compared to the CT4's 71.4 inches. Both are RWD sedans and the C-Class offers slightly more cargo room at 11.6 cu ft versus 10.7 cu ft.

Do both cars require the same type of gasoline?

Both recommend premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation, but the specification is slightly stricter for the Mercedes; the C-Class requires premium, whereas the CT4 only recommends it.

How does the RWD setup compare between these two models?

Both the 2026 Cadillac CT4 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class come standard with rear-wheel drive, catering to drivers who prefer that traditional driving dynamic.