Audi A6 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
What's the difference?

Audi A6

—

2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$66,500 - $91,300

2026 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-AMG E63

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2020 Audi A6

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

By Matt Campbell

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 6, 3.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.6L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Great family tourer
Refined and linear powertrain
Upmarket interior is ace

Refinement
Efficiency
Safety

Dislikes

Warranty starting to look short by competitor standards
Newer engine tech reserved for other markets
Pricey

Pricey servicing
Modest road feel
No physical spare tyre

2020 Audi A6 Summary

The Subaru Outback has a lot to answer for. Way back in 1994 the Japanese brand created the high-riding wagon scene - and while the idea never really took off with most mainstream makers, European luxury brands seemingly loved the idea of a rugged estate. It’s another niche to fill, after all.

This led to the Volvo V70 Cross Country in 1997, and Audi followed suit with the A6-based Allroad quattro back in 1999.

Other luxury brands have entered the fray since then, and obviously the market has proliferated with SUVs… but they’re not the same as a high-riding station wagon.

There has been evolution in the Audi Allroad line-up over time: in 2015 the company added the smaller A4 Allroad, while the original larger A6-based Allroad wagon continues to cop the rough-and-tumble treatment, as it has for decades now.

So, since the all-new Audi A6 Allroad has just arrived in Australia, we thought we’d see what it’s like. And perhaps more pertinently, maybe we’ll be able to answer the question that many of you probably have: Should you buy a high-riding wagon? Or is it smarter to just buy an SUV?

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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

2020 Audi A6 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Verdict

I was thoroughly impressed by the Audi A6 Allroad 45 TDI quattro 2020 model. It is excellent on road, resolved and comfortable on unsealed surfaces, and very well packaged for family touring.

I’d personally have it in a heartbeat over a Q7 or any SUV, for that matter. I can understand why some buyers wouldn’t consider it, but if you’re someone who likes to think outside of the boxy SUV, then be sure to take a look at the Audi A6 Allroad.

Verdict

The broadening of the CLA’s scope in this third-gen version puts it a step ahead of key rivals and raises the compact sedan’s prominence in the three-pointed star’s local line-up. Its combination of quality design, performance and efficiency is compelling. And we’ll drive the battery-electric version as soon as it lands.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Audi A6 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi A6 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
What's the difference?