Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Audi S4
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$66,500 - $91,300

2026 price

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Audi S4

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2021 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Maserati Quattroporte

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 CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2021 Audi S4

By James Cleary

By Malcolm Flynn

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.4L/100km (combined)

8.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Refinement
Efficiency
Safety

Excellent performance you can live with
Choice of five bodystyles
S4 scores a lot of new sheetmetal

Dislikes

Pricey servicing
Modest road feel
No physical spare tyre

Still no wireless CarPlay
Three-year warranty lags behind cheaper brands

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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2021 Audi S4 Summary

Audi would probably prefer you not to realise this, but the five distinct versions of S4 and S5 on the market all pertain to a single performance and equipment formula spread across five different bodystyles.

Yes five, and this has been the case for more than a decade, with the S4 sedan and Avant wagon, A5 two-door Coupe, convertible Cabriolet and five door liftback Sportback all representing vastly different shapes for you to choose from, with the same underpinnings. This simply echoes the A4 and A5 ranges they’re based on of course, and BMW clearly thought it was a good idea too, given the 3 and 4 Series ranges were split into individual lines at the start of last generation.

Mercedes-Benz offers a similar array, minus the liftback, but is happy to wrap the whole lot under the C-Class label.

So, given that the A4 and A5 range scored a mid-life update a few months ago, it’s only logical that the changes flow on to the performance S4 and S5s, with the top-tier RS4 Avant following suit.

We’ve covered the latter in October, and now it’s the turn for the former, and CarsGuide was among the first to drive the updated S4 and S5 ranges at their Australian media launch last week.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021 Audi S4

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.

Verdict

The S4 and S5 range continues to represent a great formula for performance you can live with every day. They're arguably the sweetest balance Audi produces, actually. All come fantastically equipped, with cabins that feel truly special, and we’re lucky they can be had in a choice of five bodystyles.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Audi S4 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Audi S4
What's the difference?