Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi A4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 163 | 218 | -25.2% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 380 | 450 | -15.6% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 20.8 | 76.9 | -73.0% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Diesel | Plug-in Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | DSG | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $45,468 | $46,224 | -1.6% |
- Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake makes about 25% more power (218 vs 163 hp).
- Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the more economical, at 76.9 km/L against 20.8.
Verdict: A4 or CLA Shooting Brake?
Audi A4 advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake advantages
- Engine power (+25%)
- Pulling torque (+16%)
- Fuel economy (+73%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: which should you choose?
Audi A4 (2023 35 TDI) — diesel sedan with 163 hp and 380 Nm, rated at 20.8 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $45,468 in the Germany market.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake (2021 CLA 250e) — plug-in hybrid station wagon with 218 hp and 450 Nm, rated at 76.9 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $46,224 in the Germany market.
Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake: Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is more powerful. Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake makes about 25% more power (218 vs 163 hp). Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the more economical, at 76.9 km/L against 20.8.
Performance
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the more powerful, at 218 hp against 163 hp, with 450 Nm of torque on tap. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is more economical at 76.9 km/L against 20.8 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Audi A4 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Audi A4 lists lower at about $45,468 (USD-converted from the Germany market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi A4 better than the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake?
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake makes about 25% more power (218 vs 163 hp).
What is the main difference between the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake?
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake makes about 25% more power (218 vs 163 hp). Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is the more economical, at 76.9 km/L against 20.8.
Which is better value?
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.