Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Infiniti Q50

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 126 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Infiniti Q50, a 95 mpg advantage and costs about $1,850 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Compact Cars · 55 configurations

126mpg combined (best)
All Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class specs

2015–2024

Infiniti Q50

Midsize Cars · 60 configurations

31mpg combined (best)
All Infiniti Q50 specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricMercedes-Benz CLA-ClassInfiniti Q50
Best combined MPG126 mpg31 mpg
Best city MPG127 mpg29 mpg
Best highway MPG124 mpg36 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$600$2,450
Lowest CO2 output273 g/mi286 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFVSIDI, 3.5, 2.0, 3.7
TransmissionsAutomatic (A2), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AM8)Automatic (S7)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesElectricity, Premium, Premium or E85Premium
EPA classCompact CarsMidsize Cars
Years covered2015–20272015–2024
Configurations on record5560

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

CLA-Class vs Q50: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class or the Infiniti Q50?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 126 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Infiniti Q50, a 95 mpg advantage and costs about $1,850 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class runs about $600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the Infiniti Q50 — a difference of roughly $1,850 per year.

What engines do the CLA-Class and Q50 offer?

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV. Infiniti Q50: SIDI, 3.5, 2.0, 3.7.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as Compact Cars and the Infiniti Q50 as Midsize Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More CLA-Class comparisons

Comparison id: mercedes-benz-cla-class-vs-infiniti-q50