2025 Audi A3 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Audi A3 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the $6,200 MSRP gap, with the A3 starting at $38,200 versus the CLA's $44,400. Performance metrics favor the CLA, which delivers 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the A3's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. Fuel economy also tilts toward Mercedes, achieving a combined 30 MPG versus the Audi's 28 MPG, despite the CLA requiring premium unleaded fuel. Size and utility strongly favor the CLA-Class, evidenced by its 11.6 cu ft cargo capacity, significantly larger than the A3's 8.3 cu ft. However, the A3 employs standard all-wheel drive, whereas the base CLA utilizes front-wheel drive, affecting traction in adverse conditions. These measurable specifications dictate distinct advantages depending on buyer priorities.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A3
The 2025 Audi A3 provides standard all-wheel drive and better overall fuel efficiency at 28 combined MPG for daily driving needs.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offers substantially more utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA-Class holds a measurable advantage in power output with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, superior to the A3's 201 hp.
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 wins on initial outlay, costing $6,200 less than the CLA-Class while offering a robust 236 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the MSRP is $38,200 compared to $44,400 for the competitor.
- Standard all-wheel drive traction is prioritized over the CLA's FWD configuration.
- The buyer prefers the fuel economy benefit of using regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- Maximum interior storage is required, due to the 11.6 cu ft cargo space versus 8.3 cu ft.
- Higher outright performance is desired, evidenced by 221 hp and 258 lb-ft torque figures.
- The buyer requires the marginally superior efficiency figures of 26/36 MPG city/highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A3 | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.3" | 184.6" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.0" |
| Height | 56.2" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.7" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/34 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/493.0 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/45R17 | 225/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A3 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Audi A3 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The 2025 Audi A3 comes standard with all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction in variable conditions. Conversely, the base 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class utilizes a front-wheel drive configuration.
How does the cargo capacity compare between these two compact sedans?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offers a significantly larger trunk volume at 11.6 cubic feet. The Audi A3 trails this metric with 8.3 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space.
Does the higher price of the CLA justify its performance upgrades over the A3?
The CLA-Class commands a $6,200 premium for 20 more horsepower (221 hp vs. 201 hp) and 22 more lb-ft of torque (258 vs. 236). Both use automated manual transmissions.
Which vehicle has better fuel economy and what fuel type do they require?
The CLA-Class achieves slightly better economy at 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway), while the A3 is rated at 28 combined MPG (24 city/34 highway). Crucially, the A3 uses regular unleaded, but the CLA requires premium unleaded.
Are the two vehicles similar in exterior dimensions?
The CLA-Class is physically larger overall, measuring 184.6 inches in length compared to the A3's 177.3 inches. Both vehicles share a relatively similar width and height.
What is the transmission difference between the base models?
The 2025 Audi A3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class steps up slightly by employing an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
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