Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

What's the difference?

VS
Audi A4
Audi A4

$31,888 - $49,969

2021 price

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$66,500 - $91,300

2026 price

Summary

2021 Audi A4
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L
Fuel Type
Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
5.2L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Space-saver tyre
  • Short warranty
  • Paying extra for driver-assist tech

  • Pricey servicing
  • Modest road feel
  • No physical spare tyre
2021 Audi A4 Summary

The Audi A4 allroad is the off-roader of the A4 line-up. I’m using the term ‘off-roader’ loosely here because this wagon is obviously best suited to daily duties in a city and suburbs, with perhaps an occasional foray into very light off-roading, i.e. driving on a well-maintained gravel or dirt road with few, if any, corrugations, and in dry weather only. 

But that’s not a negative factor because the great thing about adventures is that they can be scaled to suit you, your lifestyle and your vehicle of choice.

However, is this allroad your best option for a comfortable, nice-driving all-rounder? Read on.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Summary

Mercedes-Benz has shifted its CLA compact coupe-style sedan from support player to headline act with the introduction of this all-new, third-generation version.

It exemplifies the German giant’s multi-powertrain approach with an expansion of the local line-up from two pure-combustion variants to a five-model range comprising three hybrid and two pure-electric options.       

CarsGuide was invited to sample the hybrid version of the newcomer (the EVs arrive in July), so stay with us to see if this sleek four-door is your kind of premium European compact sedan.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Audi A4 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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