Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Audi A5

The redesigned 2025 Audi A5 compact luxury car takes on a more important role in the luxury brand’s lineup. The coupe and convertible body styles are gone, leaving only a five-door hatchback akin to the previous-generation A5 Sportback (Europe gets an A5 Avant wagon as well). That model also happened to be Audi’s bestselling non-SUV in 2024, so the new A5 also replaces the slower-selling A4 sedan as Audi’s answer to the Alfa Romeo Giulia, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CT4, Genesis G70, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS.

Verdict: The new Audi A5 impresses with tech, handling poise, and practicality, but represents a significant effective price increase for returning Audi customers.

In the past, if you’ve wanted an all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedan, you had your choice of the EQE or EQS. Not only are both these cars on the larger side, the design language is an acquired taste. Not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but still not the prettiest in the bunch. Oh, and they’re pricey to boot.

But for the 2026 model year, Mercedes is launching the third generation of the compact CLA-Class with an electric powertrain. Officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, this entry-level fastback sedan (to be joined by a gas-powered version at a later date) offers impressive range and all the tech you’ve ever wanted in a compact luxury car.

Verdict: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is an exciting next step in the development of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The base model is not the quickest car in the stable, but it provides comfortable, easy transportation.