2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class lies in performance metrics, with the S3 boasting a substantial 107 horsepower advantage, delivering 328 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp. This power disparity is immediately evident, though the CLA counters with superior efficiency, achieving a combined 30 MPG against the S3's 26 MPG. Pricewise, the S3 commands a higher MSRP of $48,700, which is $4,300 more than the CLA-Class's starting price of $44,400. Furthermore, drivetrain architecture differs significantly: the S3 uses standard All-Wheel Drive while the CLA is Front-Wheel Drive. Despite its smaller footprint (177.4 inches long vs. 184.6 inches), the S3 yields less utility, offering only 8.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft. These metrics set a clear battleground between outright speed and broader daily practicality.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is superior for commuting due to its 4 MPG better combined fuel economy (30 MPG vs. 26 MPG) and lower overall cost.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA-Class offers significantly more utility for families with 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 is the definitive choice for performance enthusiasts, producing 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the CLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA-Class provides superior efficiency and cargo space while carrying an MSRP that is $4,300 lower than the S3.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Maximum performance is the priority, evidenced by the 328 hp output.
- All-wheel drive traction is mandatory regardless of the price premium.
- You prefer a slightly more compact exterior dimension at 177.4 inches in length.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- Fuel economy is critical, with the CLA achieving 36 MPG on the highway.
- You require the larger 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space for practical loading.
- A lower initial investment, saving $4,300 compared to the S3, is desired.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 184.6" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.0" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 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 | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 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/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 225/45R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
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 S3 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2025 Audi S3 and CLA-Class?
The Audi S3 features a more potent powertrain, generating 328 horsepower compared to the CLA's 221 horsepower. Additionally, the S3 utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system, whereas the standard CLA-Class is Front-Wheel Drive.
How does the fuel economy compare between the two models?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class maintains a clear efficiency advantage, achieving 30 MPG combined (26 City/36 Highway). The Audi S3 returns 26 MPG combined (23 City/31 Highway), reflecting its higher power output.
Is the Audi S3 significantly more expensive than the CLA-Class?
Yes, the 2025 Audi S3 has an MSRP of $48,700, which is $4,300 higher than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MSRP of $44,400.
Which vehicle offers better utility for cargo?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more practical option for hauling items, offering 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Audi S3 is noticeably smaller internally, providing only 8.3 cubic feet.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class specify that premium unleaded fuel is required for operation.
What are the dimensional differences between the two sedans?
The CLA-Class is physically larger, measuring 184.6 inches long and 72.0 inches wide, compared to the more compact S3 at 177.4 inches long and 71.5 inches wide.
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