Mercedes-Benz CLS 400
Sedan · Gasoline · FWD
vs
Audi A8 L W12
Sedan · Gasoline · AWD
Mercedes-Benz CLS 400
Car A
Mercedes-Benz CLS 400
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 blends strong V6 performance with space and comfort for long trips, backed by a 520‑liter trunk and five seats. Its premium pricing and FWD layout make it less compelling for cargo-heavy use or harsh-winter regions that favor AWD.
5 seatsSedanGasoline5-star safety8.4 L/100km
Audi A8 L W12
Car B
Audi A8 L W12
The Audi A8 L W12 blends huge power with all-wheel-drive stability, making it a confident premium choice for long road trips. It seats five with a 505-liter trunk, but its fuel use and price won’t suit every commute or budget.
5 seatsSedanGasoline5-star safety500 hpAWD
Why compared more powercomparison picksame body typesame powertrainsame seatssame usage profile

Usage fit

Family 54 / 64
City 31 / 22
Budget / value 32 / 33
Road trip 63 / 71
Performance 35 / 47
Cargo 29 / 28
Practical 31 / 40
Premium 62 / 70
Winter 30 / 70

Scores out of 100. Blue = Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 · Orange = Audi A8 L W12

Specs side-by-side

Spec Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 Audi A8 L W12
Values are representative — confirm for your market and trim.

Pros & cons

Mercedes-Benz CLS 400

  • Strong V6 performance makes highway passing easy
  • 520‑liter trunk and five seats support road trips and growing families
  • Efficient for its class at 8.4 L/100 km combined
  • Ranks well for safety in its class

Audi A8 L W12

  • Effortless highway pace from 500 hp and 4.2 s 0–100 km/h
  • AWD traction supports confident winter and all-weather travel
  • Practical for road trips with seating for five and a 505-liter trunk
  • Strong safety emphasis signaled in its rankings

Verdict

Pick Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 if…
Best fuel economy
Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 uses 8.4 L/100km vs 12.0 — a meaningful saving if you cover high mileage.
Pick Audi A8 L W12 if…
All-wheel drive
Audi A8 L W12's AWD adds real-world confidence in wet, icy, or mixed-weather conditions.

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