2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Audi A3
Comparison Overview
The battle between the sleek 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the sharp 2026 Audi A3 pits accessible luxury against pragmatic agility. The CLA captivates with its striking coupe-like silhouette, boasting 221 hp and an estimated combined MPG of 30, demanding premium unleaded fuel to maximize its FWD performance. Conversely, the Audi A3 is a stealthy contender, offering standard AWD traction and utilizing regular unleaded fuel, though it trails slightly with 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. While the Mercedes commands a higher MSRP of $44,400 compared to the Audi's $40,100, the CLA also offers significantly more utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft. Both are compact luxury sedans, but the CLA leans into style and efficiency, while the A3 focuses on traction and upfront savings.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes CLA offers superior fuel economy at 30 MPG combined and requires less frequent stops thanks to its larger perceived range.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA provides substantially more usable space with 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA delivers a 20 hp and 22 lb-ft torque advantage, making its 221 hp powertrain the more potent option for spirited driving.
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3 secures the value crown by costing $4,300 less upfront while running happily on regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You prioritize a more powerful driving experience, benefiting from 221 hp.
- You want the enhanced practicality of 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You value the aerodynamic look and the higher combined fuel efficiency rating of 30 MPG.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the MSRP is $4,300 lower at $40,100.
- All-weather stability is crucial, as the A3 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer to save money on fuel by using regular unleaded instead of premium fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 177.3" |
| Width | 72.0" | 71.5" |
| Height | 56.7" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 103.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 201 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 236 lb-ft |
| 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 | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 24/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 348.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2026 Audi A3.
Which sedan is significantly larger for passengers and cargo?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is dimensionally larger, measuring 184.6 inches in length versus the A3's 177.3 inches. Furthermore, the CLA clearly wins on luggage space, offering 11.6 cu ft compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
Is the performance difference between the two cars noticeable?
Yes, the CLA generates 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which noticeably outpaces the A3's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. This translates to quicker acceleration potential in the Mercedes.
How do the fuel requirements impact long-term running costs?
The Audi A3 is more budget-friendly on fuel as it accepts regular unleaded. The Mercedes CLA strictly requires premium unleaded, adding to the per-fill-up expense, despite its slightly better 30 MPG combined rating.
Does the Audi A3's AWD system justify its lower horsepower?
The A3's All-Wheel Drive offers superior traction in slippery conditions compared to the CLA's Front Wheel Drive layout. For drivers in snowy or wet climates, the AWD security might outweigh the modest horsepower deficit.
Which car has the more modern transmission setup?
Both use automated manuals, but the Mercedes CLA features an 8-speed unit, offering one extra gear ratio over the A3's 7-speed transmission, which often aids in highway cruising smoothness and efficiency.
What is the price gap and how does it relate to the standard equipment?
The 2025 CLA starts at $44,400, making it $4,300 more expensive than the 2026 A3 at $40,100. You are paying more for the extra 20 hp, larger cargo area, and the higher fuel economy of the CLA.
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