2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$63,400 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Deciding between exhilarating performance and refined daily usability often leaves buyers stuck. The 2025 Audi RS 3, priced at $63,400, offers raw power with its 394 hp engine, but it sacrifices some efficiency, yielding only 23 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE steps in at a lower $59,550 MSRP and offers better fuel economy at 27 MPG combined. While the CLE’s 255 hp feels adequate, it's significantly behind the RS 3’s robust output. Furthermore, the RS 3 is notably shorter at 178.5 inches compared to the CLE’s 191.0 inches, impacting maneuverability. However, the CLE compensates with a more generous 11.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the RS 3’s restrictive 8.3 cu ft, making the choice hinge on prioritizing track-ready thrills versus balanced, efficient cruising.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE wins for commuters by offering 4 MPG better combined efficiency (27 MPG vs 23 MPG) and slightly easier city handling due to its presumed focus on comfort.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE offers a larger trunk at 11.2 cu ft compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft, which is crucial for hauling family necessities.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 dominates here with substantially more power, boasting 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the CLE's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE is the better value proposition, costing $3,850 less upfront while delivering superior fuel economy.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You crave maximum acceleration and bragging rights, thanks to its 394 hp output.
You prefer the agility of a compact sedan, noted by its shorter length of 178.5 inches.
You prioritize high-performance transmission feel with the 7-speed automated manual setup.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

Saving money on fuel is important, as it delivers 27 MPG combined versus the RS 3's 23 MPG.
You need extra space for luggage, offering 11.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want to save $3,850 upfront by choosing the lower $59,550 MSRP.

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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

Is the Audi RS 3's performance worth the extra cost and fuel consumption?

The RS 3 offers 139 more horsepower (394 hp vs 255 hp), delivering a significantly faster driving experience. However, this performance costs you $3,850 more and results in 4 MPG less efficiency, so it depends on how much you prioritize raw speed.

Which car is physically smaller for easier city parking?

The 2025 Audi RS 3 is the smaller vehicle, measuring 178.5 inches long compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE's 191.0 inches. This smaller footprint generally makes navigating tight city streets easier.

Do both cars require premium fuel, and how do they compare on that front?

Yes, both the RS 3 and the CLE require premium unleaded fuel. The difference lies in usage: the RS 3 drinks fuel faster at 20/30 MPG city/highway, while the CLE is more efficient at 24/33 MPG.

If I frequently take road trips, which coupe/sedan offers better utility?

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is the more practical choice for hauling gear, providing 11.2 cu ft of cargo space. The Audi RS 3 sedan is quite limited for a sedan, offering only 8.3 cu ft.

How does the transmission technology differ between these two AWD vehicles?

The Audi RS 3 uses a 7-speed automated manual transmission optimized for rapid shifts, fitting its performance focus. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLE features a smoother 9-speed shiftable automatic, better suited for comfortable cruising.

How close are the vehicle widths if I have a tight garage?

The physical width difference is negligible; the RS 3 is 72.9 inches wide, and the CLE is 73.3 inches wide. Both require similar clearances, though the CLE is slightly taller at 56.2 inches versus the RS 3's 54.8 inches.