2026 Cadillac CT5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$48,600 · Sedan

$49,650 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Cadillac CT5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is in fuel economy, where the C-Class achieves 29 combined MPG compared to the CT5's 26 combined MPG. Furthermore, the C-Class boasts superior performance metrics, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the CT5's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the CT5 offers a $1,050 lower MSRP at $48,600 versus the C-Class's $49,650 entry price, providing a clear cost advantage upfront. In terms of size, the CT5 is longer at 193.8 inches compared to the C-Class's 187.0 inches, translating to slightly larger exterior dimensions, though cargo space is nearly identical (11.9 cu ft for the CT5 vs. 11.6 cu ft for the C-Class). These specifications establish a trade-off between the C-Class's efficiency and power delivery versus the CT5's initial affordability and length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 29 combined MPG rating compared to the CT5's 26 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 is favored slightly for families due to its greater overall length of 193.8 inches, which suggests marginally better passenger or structural volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering significantly higher output, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 presents better immediate value with an MSRP that is $1,050 lower than the C-Class, costing $48,600.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

Budget constraints mandate a lower initial purchase price, as the CT5 starts at $48,600.
A marginally longer sedan (193.8 inches) that offers a 10-speed automatic transmission is preferred.
Acceptable fuel economy of 23/32 MPG city/highway is sufficient for driving needs.

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

Maximizing fuel efficiency is a priority, indicated by the C-Class's 29 combined MPG.
Higher performance metrics are desired, as the C-Class delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
A vehicle with a slightly smaller footprint (187.0 inches in length) and a more efficient 9-speed automatic transmission is sought.

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 2026 Cadillac CT5 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Which sedan is more powerful, the 2026 Cadillac CT5 or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is demonstrably more powerful, generating 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This output exceeds the 2026 Cadillac CT5, which produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

What is the difference in fuel economy between these two rear-wheel-drive sedans?

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds an efficiency advantage, achieving 29 combined MPG (25 city/35 highway). The Cadillac CT5 trails slightly with 26 combined MPG (23 city/32 highway), requiring premium unleaded fuel in both cases.

How much cheaper is the Cadillac CT5 compared to the C-Class?

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 has an MSRP of $48,600, making it $1,050 less expensive than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which starts at $49,650.

Is there a noticeable difference in interior storage capacity?

The cargo capacities are very similar, with the CT5 offering 11.9 cubic feet and the C-Class offering 11.6 cubic feet, representing a minimal difference of only 0.3 cubic feet.

Which vehicle has the longer body, impacting parking or garage fitting?

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 is the longer vehicle, measuring 193.8 inches from end to end. In comparison, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures 187.0 inches in length.

Do both models use similar transmission configurations?

No, while both use shiftable automatics, the Cadillac CT5 utilizes a 10-speed unit, whereas the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission.