Cadillac CT5 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new-car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money.

The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series, the Lexus IS, and the Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, the Cadillac CT4, and the Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress.

The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form, and in Canada, 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard while rear-wheel drive (RWD) is not offered. Our test car was a C300 4Matic with a long list of optional equipment. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring.

A relative bargain in the premium midsize car segment, the 2025 CT5 sedan receives several changes to keep it appealing. Mostly, they pertain to technology, and the new 33-inch display containing digital instrumentation and a new infotainment system is the most obvious manifestation of that. In addition, the CT5 gets more standard and available safety features and driver assistance tech, updated audio, new front-end styling, and a couple of new paint colours.

Verdict: Despite the updates for 2025, the Cadillac CT5 is starting to look and feel like an older car. Also, compared to its rivals, it lacks polish and refinement. However, it is a bargain when cross-shopping it with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Its tech is impressive, too.