2026 Audi A3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2026 Audi A3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA lies in their footprint, with the CLA measuring 184.6 inches long compared to the A3's 177.3 inches, yielding a substantial 11.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft. Performance specs show the CLA leading with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the A3's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. Economically, the CLA achieves a better combined EPA rating of 30 MPG, though this benefit is offset by its required use of premium fuel; the A3 manages 28 MPG on regular unleaded. Pricewise, the A3 starts $2,650 lower at an MSRP of $40,100. Drivetrain configurations vary significantly: the A3 features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with a 7-speed transmission, while the CLA utilizes Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) paired with an 8-speed unit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA offers superior fuel economy at 30 MPG combined and more passenger space due to its 7.3-inch length advantage.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The CLA provides 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the A3's 8.3 cu ft, which benefits hauling needs.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The CLA delivers higher peak output with 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the A3's figures.
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3 is priced $2,650 lower and includes standard All-Wheel Drive for $40,100, whereas the CLA requires premium fuel.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for traction on the base model.
- You prioritize lower operational costs by running on regular unleaded gasoline.
- Your budget ceiling is strictly $40,100, as the A3 carries a lower MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- You need the maximum available cargo capacity, which is 11.6 cu ft.
- You seek higher direct power output (221 hp vs. 201 hp).
- You prioritize marginally better fuel efficiency at 30 MPG combined.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A3 | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.3" | 184.6" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.0" |
| Height | 56.2" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.7" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 236 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 | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/34 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/493.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/45R17 | 225/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi A3 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the critical difference in fuel requirement between the 2026 Audi A3 and CLA?
The 2026 Audi A3 accepts regular unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA strictly requires premium unleaded fuel, impacting long-term running costs.
How does the powertrain configuration vary between these two compact sedans?
The Audi A3 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive paired to a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz CLA uses Front-Wheel Drive and features an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Which vehicle offers a measurable advantage in terms of physical space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is physically larger, measuring 184.6 inches in length compared to the A3's 177.3 inches. This directly translates to 11.6 cu ft of cargo space for the CLA versus 8.3 cu ft for the A3.
Is the performance gap significant enough to favor one model?
Yes, the CLA holds a 20 horsepower advantage (221 hp vs. 201 hp) and produces 22 lb-ft more torque (258 vs. 236), making it nominally quicker.
How far apart are the starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)?
The Audi A3 begins at $40,100, undercutting the Mercedes-Benz CLA's starting MSRP of $42,750 by exactly $2,650.
Does the more fuel-efficient CLA actually cost less to run considering fuel type?
While the CLA achieves 30 MPG combined versus the A3's 28 MPG, the mandatory use of more expensive premium fuel for the CLA will likely negate or surpass the savings from the 2 MPG difference over the long term.
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