2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$63,400 · Sedan

$58,000 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi RS 3 explodes onto the scene with its signature turbocharged five-cylinder heart, delivering a blistering 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it the undisputed performance champion here. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE charms with sophisticated coupe styling and a more relaxed demeanor, boasting superior efficiency at 27 MPG combined compared to the RS 3's 23 MPG. While the CLE is longer at 191.0 inches, the compact RS 3 offers more agility, though it trails significantly in power with only 255 hp. The RS 3 commands a $63,400 MSRP, positioning it $5,400 pricier than the elegantly appointed CLE. For those prioritizing sheer acceleration and track readiness, the RS 3 is intoxicating; however, the CLE’s combination of style, better fuel economy, and slightly larger 11.2 cu ft cargo area presents a compelling luxury grand touring alternative for daily driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 27 MPG versus the RS 3's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE offers slightly more usable space with 11.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RS 3's meager 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 is the clear choice for driving thrills, delivering a massive 139 hp advantage over the CLE.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE provides a more accessible entry point at $58,000 while delivering greater efficiency.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You demand raw, top-tier performance with 394 hp available through the thrilling 7-speed automated manual transmission.
You prefer the agility and smaller footprint of a compact sedan (178.5 inches long).
You require the maximum grip provided by the all-wheel-drive system paired with potent power figures.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You prioritize efficiency, netting 27 MPG combined versus the RS 3's 23 MPG.
You are looking for a more traditional, stylish coupe aesthetic at a lower starting MSRP of $58,000.
You need slightly more utility, evidenced by its 11.2 cu ft of cargo space versus 8.3 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	178.5"	191.0"
Width	72.9"	73.3"
Height	54.8"	56.2"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 5	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	394 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	20	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	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/30 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/435.0 mi.	417.6/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Sonos	Burmester
Stereo Power	680W	710W
Speaker System	15	17
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	34.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	✓	245/45R18
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 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 RS 3 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

How significant is the power difference between the 2025 RS 3 and the CLE?

The difference is substantial; the Audi RS 3 produces 394 horsepower, creating a massive 139 hp advantage over the Mercedes-Benz CLE's 255 horsepower rating. This means the RS 3 offers significantly faster acceleration capabilities.

Which vehicle costs less to run annually based on fuel efficiency?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is more economical, achieving 27 MPG combined compared to the Audi RS 3's 23 MPG combined rating. Since both require premium unleaded fuel, the CLE's 4 MPG advantage will result in lower lifetime fuel costs.

Is the Audi RS 3 more expensive than the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

Yes, the Audi RS 3 has a higher MSRP of $63,400, positioning it $5,400 above the Mercedes-Benz CLE's starting price of $58,000. This price gap reflects the RS 3's focus on high-performance engineering.

What impact does the transmission choice have on the driving experience?

The RS 3 uses a fast-shifting 7-speed automated manual optimized for aggressive gear changes, exciting driving enthusiasts. In contrast, the CLE utilizes a smoother 9-speed shiftable automatic designed for refined cruising.

Which vehicle offers more interior storage space?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE provides greater cargo utility with 11.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The Audi RS 3 sedan is more constrained, offering only 8.3 cubic feet.

Are the dimensions dramatically different between the sedan and the coupe?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE is noticeably longer, measuring 191.0 inches compared to the RS 3's 178.5 inches, making the Audi the more compact and perhaps more maneuverable vehicle in tight city settings.