2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. 2025 Cadillac CT4 Comparison

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 2025 Cadillac CT4 are compact luxury sedans with adult-friendly interior space and tire-smoking performance variants. Yet their differences are more marked than their similarities. For example, Cadillac’s heritage revolves more around big vehicles than compact cars, whereas the C-Class has been a big seller for Mercedes-Benz over its many generations.

A new generation of C-Class debuted for the 2023 model year, while still bringing a few changes this time around. The infotainment system received an upgrade, a center airbag is installed between the front seats, there are more cosmetic choices, and buyers may choose simulated leather — aka MB-Tex — to wrap their steering wheel instead of real leather. We like the non-animal angle here and have found MB-Tex to be both convincing and hard-wearing.

The 2025 CT4 arrives with a few new cosmetic choices and 8-way power-adjustable front seats for the CT4-V. This generation of CT4 first arrived for the 2020 model year. Since then, Cadillac has added tech features, such as a hands-free driving system and sport-tuned models. In addition to competing against each other, the C-Class and CT4 face rivals like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70, and Lexus IS. 

Let’s explore the highlights of the C-Class and CT4 to see how they compare. 

2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2024 model shown

Pricing for the base rear-wheel-drive 2025 C 300 starts at $49,600, including the destination charge. All-wheel drive (AWD) is another $2,000. You might have noticed the coupe and convertible versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are no more. They’ve been replaced by the CLE-Class. A 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard, coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Highlights

AMG models: Don’t get us wrong, the C 300’s turbo 4-cylinder provides enough power to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in a little more than five seconds. There is a lot more performance to be had in this 5-seater sedan, however. Kicking things off is the 416-hp AMG C 43, which, after many miles of road tests, might be our favorite C-Class variant. If money is no object, the AMG C 63 S E Performance produces a staggering 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. This hybridized turbo 4-cylinder provides a blistering zero-to-60 mph time of only 3.6 seconds.  

State-of-the-art infotainment system:  A 12.3-inch digital instrument display is complemented by an 11.9-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. This sleek arrangement looks like it would be right at home in Mercedes-Benz’s top-of-the-line S-Class sedan. Wireless smartphone integration is also standard.

Burmester audio: Fitted to the mid-range Executive trim, this 15-speaker Burmester sound system has exceptional clarity and sound quality. Audiophiles will absolutely adore this setup. 

Read our Mercedes-Benz C-Class Expert Review or see 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models for sale near you.

2025 Cadillac CT4

2024 model shown

The 2025 Cadillac CT4 starts at $36,390, including the destination charge. Trim levels are Luxury, Premium Luxury, Sport, CT4-V, and CT4-V Blackwing. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, while AWD is optional on all but the mega CT4-V Blackwing. 

The standard drivetrain employs a 237-hp 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbo 2.7-liter 4-cylinder produces 310 hp in the Premiere Luxury model and 325 hp in the CT4-V. The extra performance is always welcome, yet we’ve still been impressed by the acceleration and efficiency of the entry-level drivetrain.

Cadillac CT4 Highlights

Value, standard features: The base Luxury trim has a number of desirable features such as wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, remote start, power-adjustable front seats, and Wi-Fi. Let’s also not overlook the fact that pricing on the CT4 starts at roughly $13K less than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. 

Super Cruise: Optional from the Premium Luxury trim level, Super Cruise is Cadillac’s hands-free driving technology. It operates on more than 400,000 miles of pre-mapped roads throughout North America. Recent updates allow it to make automatic lane changes and operate on secondary roads — before this, Super Cruise could only be engaged on divided highways.

V-Series models: For more excitement, the CT4-V’s 325-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine gives this Caddy strong acceleration and muscle. Things get downright wild with the CT4-V Blackwing. Its twin-turbo V6 sends 472 hp solely to the rear wheels through either a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. These are serious rivals to AMG variants of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Read our Cadillac CT4 Expert Review or see 2025 Cadillac CT4 models for sale near you.

Similarities

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Cadillac CT4 are proof that small luxury cars are alive, well and thriving. They each possess refined driving manners and adult-friendly levels of space in their first and second rows. 

Conclusion

We think the Cadillac CT4 could be a good choice, thanks to its approachable pricing and wide array of standard features. The V-Series models are pricier, naturally, although their acceleration is absolutely addictive. Less endearing are some hit-and-miss interior trim pieces, the smallish trunk, and a mediocre record for resale value.

It costs more, but we believe the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is brilliantly engineered and reflects the marque’s image for reliability, attention to detail and cutting-edge technology. Its polish and poise make it a standout choice. Buying the right luxury sedan often comes down to budget, but we say the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is worth the extra cost.

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.