2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE vs 2026 Audi S3
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE launches with seductive coupe elegance, boasting a 191.0-inch length and 255 hp, promising sophisticated grand touring. Contrast this with the aggressive 2026 Audi S3 sedan, a sharper instrument packing 328 hp in a more compact 177.4-inch shell. The Audi leverages its substantial 73 hp advantage and identical 295 lb-ft of torque for thrilling acceleration, while the Mercedes counters with slightly better overall fuel economy at 27 MPG combined versus the S3’s 26 MPG. Priced at $58,000, the CLE asks for a $6,000 premium over the $52,000 S3. Although the Mercedes offers a larger 11.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi’s 8.3 cu ft, the S3's potent power-to-price ratio makes a compelling case for the driving enthusiast seeking immediate thrills.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The Mercedes-Benz CLE offers superior combined fuel economy at 27 MPG compared to the Audi S3’s 26 MPG, aiding daily running costs.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
With 11.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Mercedes CLE provides significantly more usable space than the Audi S3’s 8.3 cu ft.
2026 Audi S3
The 2026 Audi S3 overwhelms the Mercedes with 328 hp, giving it a decisive advantage in raw power output over the CLE's 255 hp.
2026 Audi S3
The Audi S3 delivers 73 more horsepower for $6,000 less than the Mercedes CLE, representing superior performance value.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- You prioritize the visual appeal and sleek profile of a dedicated two-door coupe body style.
- You need slightly better efficiency, netting 27 combined MPG versus 26 MPG.
- You require greater luggage hauling ability, evidenced by its 11.2 cu ft of cargo space.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You demand maximum power, as the 328 hp engine vastly outmuscles the CLE's 255 hp.
- You want to save $6,000 upfront by opting for the $52,000 MSRP.
- You prefer the smaller footprint and nimbleness of a 177.4-inch sedan over the longer 191.0-inch coupe.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLE | Audi S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.0" | 177.4" |
| Width | 73.3" | 71.5" |
| Height | 56.2" | 55.7" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
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 | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 328 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 295 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 | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 417.6/574.2 mi. | 333.5/449.5 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| 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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 245/45R18 | 225/40R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
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 S3.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Audi S3 compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE?
The 2026 Audi S3 boasts 328 horsepower, offering a significant advantage of 73 more hp than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE, which produces 255 hp.
Which car has a higher base price and why?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE is the more expensive choice with an MSRP of $58,000, setting it $6,000 above the Audi S3's starting price of $52,000.
Is there a major difference in fuel economy between the two premium models?
The difference is minimal, as the Mercedes CLE achieves 27 MPG combined while the Audi S3 returns 26 MPG combined; both require premium unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle offers more space for luggage?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe wins the capacity contest with 11.2 cubic feet of trunk space, compared to the Audi S3 sedan’s 8.3 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles use the same amount of torque?
Yes, surprisingly, both vehicles are rated to produce an identical 295 lb-ft of torque, meaning their pulling power off the line is mechanically matched despite the horsepower gap.
What transmission type distinguishes these two AWD vehicles?
The Mercedes CLE uses a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the Audi S3 employs a faster-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission.
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