2025 Audi S3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA lies in performance metrics, as the S3 delivers a substantial 107 more horsepower, boasting 328 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp. This performance premium is reflected in the pricing, with the S3 commanding an MSRP of $48,700 against the CLA's $42,750, a $5,950 delta. Conversely, the CLA offers superior efficiency, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the S3's 26 combined MPG, translating to better fuel economy for daily travel. The CLA also provides greater utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly surpassing the S3's 8.3 cu ft. While both mandate premium fuel, the S3 utilizes all-wheel drive while the CLA employs front-wheel drive, influencing handling dynamics, but the CLA's longer 184.6-inch body suggests more overall passenger volume.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for commuters due to its 30 combined MPG versus the Audi S3's 26 MPG, offering superior daily running costs.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The CLA offers more usable space, evidenced by its 11.6 cu ft cargo capacity, which outweighs the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 is the definitive choice for performance enthusiasts, producing 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly higher than the CLA’s output.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA presents better value, starting at $42,750 while providing better fuel economy and significantly more cargo space than the $48,700 S3.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Maximum acceleration and engine output are priorities, given the S3's 328 horsepower rating.
- All-wheel drive traction is required, as the S3 offers AWD while the CLA is FWD.
- A more compact exterior dimension (177.4 inches long) is preferred for urban maneuverability.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Minimizing fuel expenses is key, with the CLA achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the S3's 26 MPG.
- Greater trunk capacity is needed, as the CLA provides 11.6 cu ft versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
- A lower initial purchase price is essential, as the CLA is $5,950 less expensive than the S3.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
The Audi S3 holds a significant power advantage, producing 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is rated at 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, creating over 100 horsepower separation between the two sedans.
Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is more efficient, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway). The Audi S3 is rated lower at 26 combined MPG (23 city/31 highway).
How much cheaper is the Mercedes-Benz CLA compared to the Audi S3?
The CLA has a starting MSRP of $42,750, making it $5,950 less expensive than the Audi S3, which starts at $48,700.
Do both cars feature the same drivetrain system?
No, the Audi S3 comes standard with all-wheel drive for enhanced grip. The Mercedes-Benz CLA utilizes a front-wheel drive configuration.
How do the cargo capacities compare between the two sedans?
The CLA offers a larger cargo area at 11.6 cubic feet, which is notably more capacity than the Audi S3’s 8.3 cubic feet.
Are premium fuels required for both the S3 and the CLA?
Yes, according to the specifications provided, both the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA require premium unleaded fuel for operation.
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