2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

$52,000 · Sedan

$59,550 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the practical punch of the 2026 Audi S3 sedan and the stylish presence of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe can be tough. If your main concern is squeezing performance out of your daily drive without the steep entry price, the Audi holds the line. The S3 starts at $52,000, significantly less than the CLE's $59,550 MSRP—a $7,550 saving right off the bat. However, the power disparity is real: the S3 boasts a potent 328 hp, vastly outclassing the CLE's 255 hp. While both require premium fuel, the S3’s AWD system is paired with a 7-speed automated manual, whereas the CLE uses a smoother 9-speed automatic. Practicality is also a factor, with the S3 offering a much shorter length at 177.4 inches, making city parking easier than the 191.0-inch CLE coupe.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi S3

The Audi S3 is nearly 14 inches shorter and offers slightly better city MPG (23 vs 24) relative to the larger CLE, making it nimbler for stop-and-go traffic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE

The Mercedes-Benz CLE, despite being a coupe, has a larger cargo capacity at 11.2 cu ft compared to the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft, offering more room for weekend bags.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi S3

Enthusiasts seeking raw acceleration will prefer the S3's substantial 73 hp advantage, delivering 328 hp versus the CLE's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi S3

The Audi S3 provides a better power-to-price ratio, saving the buyer $7,550 while delivering 73 more horsepower.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

You prioritize maximum power for your dollar, as the S3 offers 328 hp for $7,550 less than the competition.
You need a vehicle with a smaller footprint (177.4 inches long) for easier maneuvering and parking.
You prefer the snappy shifts of a 7-speed automated manual transmission in spirited driving.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...

You value premium style and prefer the sleeker look and longer proportions of a coupe body style (191.0 inches).
You need slightly better highway fuel economy, as the CLE achieves 33 MPG highway versus the S3's 31 MPG.
You require marginally more usable trunk space, as the CLE provides 11.2 cu ft compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S3	Mercedes-Benz CLE
Length	177.4"	191.0"
Width	71.5"	73.3"
Height	55.7"	56.2"
Wheelbase	103.6"	112.8"

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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
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	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	24/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.5/449.5 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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	—	✓
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.	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 Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	225/40R18	245/45R18
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 S3 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.

Is the 2026 Audi S3 significantly faster than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE?

Yes, the Audi S3 holds a notable advantage in power, producing 328 hp compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLE’s 255 hp. This 73 hp difference means the S3 will likely feel much quicker when accelerating onto the highway.

Which car is better for city driving and tighter spaces?

The 2026 Audi S3 is the better choice for city navigation, as it is considerably shorter in length at 177.4 inches versus the CLE's 191.0 inches. Its slightly lower width also helps with squeezing into narrow parking spots.

Do both cars require the same expensive fuel?

Both the 2026 Audi S3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE specify that they require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their quoted horsepower figures.

How does the cargo area compare between the sedan and the coupe?

The CLE Coupe offers a slightly larger storage space with 11.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The S3 Sedan offers 8.3 cubic feet, which is respectable for a compact sedan but less flexible for large items.

What is the main reason to choose the more expensive Mercedes-Benz CLE?

The primary draw for the CLE is its aesthetic and body style; buyers are paying the $7,550 premium for the dedicated coupe design over the sport sedan body of the S3.

How do the transmissions differ between these two AWD vehicles?

The Audi S3 uses a faster-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission, optimized for performance feel. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz CLE employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic, which typically delivers smoother operation during cruising.