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Audi A4 Limousine vs Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake comparison

Compare performance (265 HP vs 354 HP), boot space and price (35,800 £ vs 40,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A4 Limousine or Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake?

Audi A4 Limousine vs Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake: Key differences

Audi A4 Limousine

  • somewhat cheaper
  • only slightly more efficient
  • somewhat lighter
  • barely more trunk space
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Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

A4 Limousine

An In-Depth Comparison: Audi A4 Limousine VS Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

When it comes to luxury and performance in the automotive world, the Audi A4 Limousine and the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake are two models that capture attention. Each brings its own set of features, aesthetics, and engineering marvels that cater to disparate tastes. In this article, we pit these two German masterpieces against each other to see which one comes out on top.

CLA Shooting Brake

Design and Dimensions

The Audi A4 Limousine takes inspiration from its roots with an elegant sedan design that showcases sophistication. It measures 4762 mm in length, 1847 mm in width, and stands 1428 mm tall, offering a classic four-door approach with a trunk capacity of 460 liters. It’s a vehicle aimed at those who prefer a traditional aesthetic blended with modern touches.

On the other hand, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake embodies a more avant-garde style with its wagon shape. Sporting a slightly more compact length of 4693 mm but maximizing practicality with a trunk capacity up to 505 liters, it appeals to those looking for a blend of sportiness and everyday functionality. The car is slightly wider than the A4 at 1857 mm but slightly shorter in height at 1415 mm, offering a sleek and dynamic profile.

A4 Limousine

Power and Performance

The Audi A4 Limousine offers a variety of engine configurations, with power outputs ranging from 136 to 265 HP facilitated by a Dual-Clutch Automatic transmission. Its top speed is reported at 250 km/h with an acceleration capability from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds at its best. The lightest A4 variant weighs in at 1545 kg making it agile yet substantial.

Mercedes has armed the CLA Shooting Brake with a more diverse range of engines, including petrol, diesel, MHEV, and a Plug-in Hybrid configuration. The Shooting Brake’s power reaches up to 421 HP, and it can achieve a similar top speed of 270 km/h. Notably, the hybrid version showcases impressive fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of just 0.8 L/100 km thanks to its 12.9 kWh battery offering an electric range of 85 km.

CLA Shooting Brake

Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Efficiency is a key selling point for modern consumers, and both models offer a lineup that spans from moderately efficient to high-performing versions. The Audi A4 Limousine boasts CO2 emissions as low as 121 g/km, appealing to environmentally conscious drivers. However, it's important to note its CO2 efficiency classes range from D to F depending on the selected engine.

The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake also aligns with modern eco-standards, particularly its plug-in hybrid version with a CO2 emission of only 17 g/km which places it in the B efficiency class. Its traditional engine variants vary more broadly across the spectrum from D to G classes.

A4 Limousine

Technological Innovations

Audi has continually impressed with its cutting-edge MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology included across its lineup, smoothing engine transitions and improving fuel economy without the need for full hybrid systems.

Conversely, Mercedes extends its tech prowess with the inclusion of full plug-in hybrid capabilities, providing drivers with the flexibility to enjoy electric-only rides for short commutes. The CLA also includes its latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz's MBUX infotainment system, complete with voice control and advanced connectivity features that enhance driver interaction and comfort.

CLA Shooting Brake

A Final Decision

The choice between the Audi A4 Limousine and the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake hinges on personal preference and driving needs. The A4 Limousine caters to those who prioritize a pristine mix of tradition and performance in a sedan form, while the CLA Shooting Brake attracts drivers leaning towards versatility and modern tech features. Both models stand as testaments to German engineering excellence, ensuring satisfaction to any discerning auto enthusiast.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A4 Limousine

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Audi A4 Limousine is somewhat cheaper – starting at 35,800 £ , while the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake costs 40,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,982 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A4 Limousine uses 4.6 L/100km and is only slightly more efficient than the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake with 5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.4 L/100km.

CLA Shooting Brake

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake offers visibly more power – delivering 354 HP compared to 265 HP. That’s roughly 89 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 5 s, while the Audi A4 Limousine takes 5.5 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake delivers noticeably more torque with 515 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 115 Nm more.

A4 Limousine

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A4 Limousine is somewhat lighter – 1,545 kg compared to 1,710 kg. The difference is around 165 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Audi A4 Limousine offers barely more boot space – 460 L compared to 455 L. That’s a difference of about 5 L.

When it comes to payload, the Audi A4 Limousine carries a bit more – 540 kg compared to 460 kg. That’s a difference of about 80 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £40,800
CLA Shooting Brake

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

  • Engine Type : Electric, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 156 - 354 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5 - 5.4 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 12.7 - 13.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 525 - 768 km
Audi A4 Limousine
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Audi A4 Limousine

The Audi A4 is a polished, grown-up sedan that blends restraint with a subtle dose of sportiness, making it an easy choice for commuters and company car buyers alike. Inside it's all refined materials and sensible design, while the driving experience balances comfort and composure — clever, competent and quietly smug in the best possible way.

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Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake turns estate practicality into runway-ready style with a swooping roofline and coupe-like silhouette that makes even mundane errands feel a little more glamorous. Inside it pairs clever packaging with premium flair, so you get useful load space and a grown-up cabin — ideal if you want a car that looks like a showroom trophy but still handles the weekly shop without sulking.

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Audi A4 Limousine
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

Costs and Consumption

Price
35,800 - 46,600 £
Price
40,800 - 60,900 £
Consumption L/100km
4.6 - 7.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
12.7 - 13.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
525 - 768 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
121 - 167 g/km
co2
0 - 123 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 58 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,545 - 1,665 kg
Curb weight
1,710 - 2,155 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
455 L
Length
4,762 mm
Length
-
Width
1,847 mm
Width
1,855 mm
Height
1,428 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
490 - 540 kg
Payload
430 - 460 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 265 HP
Power HP
156 - 354 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 9.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
270 - 400 Nm
Torque
280 - 515 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 - 195 kW
Power kW
115 - 260 kW
Engine capacity
1,968 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3

General

Model Year
2023
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C, D
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.