Compare the2026 Mercedes CLA EQVS 2025 Polestar 4

The CLA EQ’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Polestar 4 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The CLA EQ has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Polestar 4 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

Both the CLA EQ and the Polestar 4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, front seat center airbag, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 12 times as many Mercedes dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CLA EQ’s warranty.

The CLA 350 4MATIC EQ’s standard electric motors produces 77 more horsepower (349 vs. 272) and 127 lbs.-ft. more torque (380 vs. 253) than the Polestar 4’s standard electric motor.

On the EPA test cycle the CLA EQ gets better mileage than the Polestar 4:

The CLA EQ can travel longer on a full charge than the Polestar 4 on a full charge:

The CLA EQ’s optional 255/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Polestar 4 Performance Pack’s 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the CLA EQ can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Polestar 4 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For better maneuverability, the CLA EQ’s turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter than the Polestar 4’s (36.8 feet vs. 38.2 feet).

The Mercedes CLA EQ may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 550 pounds less than the Polestar 4.

The CLA EQ is 4.7 inches shorter than the Polestar 4, making the CLA EQ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The CLA EQ is 6.1 inches narrower than the Polestar 4, making the CLA EQ easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

An ASSYST PLUS is standard on the CLA EQ to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Polestar doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Polestar 4.

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the Polestar 4, the CLA EQ has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The CLA EQ’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Polestar 4.

The CLA EQ’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Polestar 4’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

Compared to the Polestar 4, the Mercedes CLA EQ eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the driver’s seat.

The CLA EQ’s optional Drive Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Polestar 4 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.