2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs 2026 Audi RS 3
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the stylish 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and the potent 2026 Audi RS 3 Sedan often boils down to prioritizing smooth daily driving over raw performance. Buyers face a dilemma: do you accept the Audi's superior power for an $8,100 higher starting MSRP of $66,100 compared to the Mercedes' $58,000, or focus on daily usability? The CLE offers a practical advantage with a combined 27 MPG versus the RS 3's 23 MPG, saving on frequent fuel stops while consuming premium unleaded in both cases. Furthermore, the CLE provides significantly more usable space, boasting 11.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the RS 3's smaller 8.3 cu ft trunk. While the RS 3 boasts 394 hp to crush acceleration figures, the CLE’s 255 hp provides ample freeway merging power without the intensity of the Audi's 369 lb-ft of torque.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The CLE wins for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG, offering better day-to-day running costs than the RS 3's 23 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes CLE is better suited for family errands due to its larger 11.2 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Audi's 8.3 cubic feet.
2026 Audi RS 3
The 2026 Audi RS 3 is the clear choice for driving thrills, packing 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The CLE offers better overall value by costing $8,100 less while delivering better fuel efficiency for routine use.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- You prioritize saving on fuel costs, benefiting from the CLE’s 4 MPG advantage (27 combined).
- You need a bit more trunk space for groceries or weekend bags, as the CLE offers 11.2 cu ft vs. 8.3 cu ft.
- You prefer a smoother, more conventional driving experience with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Audi RS 3 if...
- You are performance-obsessed and want the significant power boost of 394 horsepower.
- You prefer the agile handling suggested by the RS 3's smaller overall length of 178.5 inches.
- You value maximum acceleration and are happy to pay the extra $8,100 for 139 more horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLE | Audi RS 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.0" | 178.5" |
| Width | 73.3" | 72.9" |
| Height | 56.2" | 54.8" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 103.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 5 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 394 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 369 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 20 |
| 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 | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 417.6/574.2 mi. | 290.0/420.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.9 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Burmester | Sonos |
| Stereo Power | 710W | 680W |
| Speaker System | 17 | 15 |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.1 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.0 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.2 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.4 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 245/45R18 | ✓ |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 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 CLE and 2026 Audi RS 3.
How much more powerful is the Audi RS 3 compared to the Mercedes CLE?
The 2026 Audi RS 3 boasts 394 horsepower, significantly outpacing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE, which produces 255 hp—a difference of 139 horsepower.
Is the fuel economy difference meaningful between these two premium cars?
Yes, the difference is notable for regular drivers; the CLE achieves 27 MPG combined, while the RS 3 achieves 23 MPG combined, meaning more frequent premium fuel stops for the Audi.
Which vehicle has a higher starting price?
The 2026 Audi RS 3 starts at $66,100, making it $8,100 more expensive than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE, which starts at $58,000.
Which car offers more utility for storage?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe provides better cargo capacity at 11.2 cubic feet, which is substantially more room than the sedan-bodied Audi RS 3's 8.3 cubic feet.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE and the 2026 Audi RS 3 specify that they require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.
What is the primary difference in transmission types?
The CLE uses a conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the high-performance RS 3 utilizes a quicker-shifting 7-speed automated manual.
More Premium Sedans ($50k-$80k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool