2025 Audi A3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi A3 electrifies the entry-level luxury scene with its standard quattro all-wheel drive and lower barrier to entry at an MSRP of $38,200. It promises confident handling, though its 201 horsepower output is modest. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA shouts style and performance with 221 horsepower and more torque at 258 lb-ft, commanding a $4,550 premium price tag. While the CLA boasts superior fuel economy at 30 MPG combined versus the A3's 28 MPG, the Audi accepts regular unleaded fuel, potentially saving ownership costs compared to the CLA's required premium fuel. Furthermore, the CLA offers significantly more utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, overshadowing the A3’s tighter 8.3 cu ft, even though the Audi is marginally smaller in overall length at 177.3 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $38,200 and requirement for regular unleaded fuel, minimizing running costs.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA provides better practicality for families with 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Audi A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA delivers a more engaging drive with 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, besting the Audi's 201 hp.
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 offers better overall value, leveraging a $4,550 lower initial price and lower fuel grade requirement.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- You prioritize lower ownership costs by avoiding the premium fuel requirement of the CLA.
- All-Wheel Drive is a non-negotiable requirement for handling foul weather conditions.
- You want the most affordable entry point into German luxury at an MSRP of $38,200.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- You demand greater engine output, benefiting from the 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum utility is key, as the 11.6 cu ft trunk easily outperforms the competition.
- You prefer a slightly larger footprint for road presence, given the CLA's 184.6-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A3 | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A3 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Which car has better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA edges out the competition with a combined MPG of 30, slightly better than the Audi A3’s 28 MPG combined. However, remember the CLA demands premium fuel, which might offset the 2 MPG advantage in total cost of ownership.
How does the performance difference between the two compare?
The CLA is undeniably stronger, producing 221 horsepower versus the A3's 201 horsepower, giving it an edge in acceleration thrills. Furthermore, the CLA offers 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the A3’s 236 lb-ft.
Is the extra cost of the Mercedes-Benz CLA justified by its size?
The CLA is noticeably larger overall, measuring 184.6 inches long compared to the A3’s 177.3 inches. This extra length contributes to its significantly larger 11.6 cu ft cargo area, making it better suited for hauling gear.
Does the drivetrain choice matter between these two entry-level luxury sedans?
Yes, the standard configuration offers opposing philosophies: the Audi A3 includes quattro All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA focuses power through the front wheels, paired with an 8-speed transmission versus Audi's 7-speed unit.
Which vehicle saves more money upfront?
The 2025 Audi A3 offers immediate savings, sporting an MSRP of $38,200, which is $4,550 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's $42,750 price tag.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool