2026 Audi RS 3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$66,100 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the aggressive performance of the 2026 Audi RS 3 and the stylish cruiser appeal of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE boils down to priorities. If raw speed is paramount, the RS 3 wins handily, offering 394 hp compared to the CLE's 255 hp, making it significantly quicker off the line. However, this performance comes at a cost, with the Audi priced $6,550 higher at $66,100 versus the CLE's $59,550. Practicality also tips toward the Mercedes; it achieves 27 MPG combined versus the RS 3's 23 MPG, and offers slightly more room with 11.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Audi's 8.3 cu ft. While the RS 3 is a compact sedan measuring 178.5 inches long, the CLE is a larger coupe at 191.0 inches. Your choice hinges on whether you value 139 extra horsepower or better efficiency and a lower entry price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the RS 3's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

Although both are small, the CLE offers slightly more usable space with 11.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the CLE's lower figures.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The CLE provides a lower entry point at $59,550 and better efficiency, giving it the edge in overall value proposition.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You demand explosive acceleration and need the higher output of 394 horsepower.
You prefer the handling characteristics and feel of an automated manual transmission.
You want the compact sedan body style over the longer, two-door coupe design.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You are looking to save $6,550 on the initial purchase price ($59,550 MSRP).
Your daily drive includes a lot of highway miles where 33 MPG will make a noticeable difference.
You prefer the smoother shifting nature of a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	178.5"	191.0"
Width	72.9"	73.3"
Height	54.8"	56.2"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
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	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 5	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	394 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	20	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	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/420.5 mi.	417.6/574.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Sonos	Burmester
Stereo Power	680W	710W
Speaker System	15	17
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.7 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	34.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	✓	245/45R18
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 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 RS 3 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

Which car is faster in a straight line, the Audi RS 3 or the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The 2026 Audi RS 3 is significantly faster, delivering 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This easily outpaces the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE, which produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

How much more does the Audi RS 3 cost compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The Audi RS 3 has a higher Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $66,100. This makes it $6,550 more expensive than the Mercedes-Benz CLE, which starts at $59,550.

Is there a meaningful difference in fuel economy between these two premium vehicles?

Yes, there is a noticeable difference, especially on the highway. The CLE achieves 27 MPG combined (24/33 city/highway), while the RS 3 returns 23 MPG combined (20/29 city/highway).

Does the difference in body style affect cargo space?

The CLE Coupe offers a bit more storage volume at 11.2 cubic feet compared to the RS 3 Sedan's 8.3 cubic feet. Additionally, the CLE is physically larger in length (191.0 inches vs 178.5 inches).

Do both cars require premium fuel and offer AWD?

Yes, both the 2026 Audi RS 3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE specify premium unleaded fuel as required. Furthermore, both models come equipped with All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction.

What is the main difference in transmission technology offered?

The Audi RS 3 utilizes a quicker-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission, which appeals to performance purists. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLE uses a slightly smoother-operating 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.