The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA and 2025 Audi A3 are small luxurious sedans that may be sensible every day drivers. With optionally available performance-tuned engines, they can be gloriously quick.
Launched for the 2020 mannequin yr, Mercedes-Benz gave final yr’s 2024 CLA a reasonably important refresh that included up to date entrance and rear designs, LED high-performance headlights, improved infotainment system, and the addition of a gentle hybrid engine. What doesn’t change is the refinement and grown-up really feel of the marque’s smallest sedan.
This era of Audi A3 arrived for the 2022 mannequin yr and receives a couple of tweaks this time round (see beneath). Like its Mercedes-Benz rival, the Audi A3 has city-friendly dimensions and a complicated inside. How do they fare when pitted in opposition to one another? Let’s discover out by exploring the highlights of every mannequin.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a beginning worth of $45,550, together with the vacation spot cost. It’s out there because the CLA 250, CLA 250 4Matic, AMG 35, and AMG 45 S. The CLA 250 begins out with front-wheel drive (FWD), whereas the remainder have all-wheel drive (AWD). The CLA 250 and 250 4Matic make use of a 221-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed automated.
Following a significant revamp final yr that introduced a mild-hybrid drivetrain (to enhance gasoline economic system and assist clean out the cease/restart system), Mercedes-Benz now affords a 360-degree digital camera system as a person possibility. It was out there beforehand solely as a part of the Parking Help bundle. Throughout our many take a look at drives of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, we’ve loved its experience consolation, maneuverability, and keen acceleration.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Highlights
AMG fashions: Many potential consumers shall be pleased with the usual drivetrain. But it’s laborious to disregard the 2 excellent AMG fashions. The AMG 35 produces 302 horsepower, whereas the range-topping CLA 45 S develops a complete of 416 hp. They arrive with an AMG-tuned AWD system, sport suspensions, and an 8-speed automated. They’re expensive, but additionally engagingly fast and enjoyable.
Mercedes-Benz Person Expertise: Also referred to as the MBUX, the infotainment system within the Mercedes-Benz CLA is equally nearly as good as what Mercedes-Benz makes use of in its bigger, costlier choices. This twin show unit consists of a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a ten.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Amongst our favourite highlights right here is its multitude of voice instructions and wi-fi smartphone connectivity.
Burmester audio: Audiophiles take word — this 12-speaker surround-sound system is amazingly crisp, clear, and highly effective. Dolby Atmos expertise makes the listening expertise even richer and extra encompassing.
Learn our Mercedes-Benz CLA Professional Assessment or see 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA fashions on the market close to you.
2025 Audi A3
2024 mannequin proven
The 2025 Audi A3’s entry-level worth is $39,495, together with the vacation spot cost. The bottom A3 40 TFSI is accessible in Premium and Premium Plus trims. The upper-performance S3 is available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Status trims. The superior RS 3 is a trim unto itself.
This yr brings minor styling revisions for the outside and inside, plus new paint hues and wheel designs. The ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster turns into customary. The free Audi Join Nav trial subscription is elevated from six months to a few years. All-wheel drive is now customary. Oh, and the engine will get one other 15 lb-ft of torque — which doesn’t make a lot distinction, nevertheless it’s higher than a lower.
Below the hood of the A3 40 TFSI is a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed automated transmission. EPA-estimated mixed gasoline economic system is 28 mpg.
Audi A3 Highlights
S3 and RS 3 fashions: Just like the CLA, the A3 has a few speedy options to the usual drivetrain. The S3’s mixture of a 306-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and AWD helps rocket it from standstill to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The RS 3 comes with an much more muscular 401-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine and AWD. Hit the gasoline pedal, and 60 mph comes up in solely 3.6 seconds.
Enterprise-class cabin: That is Audi’s least costly mannequin, however you’d by no means know from its stylish inside. Customary touches embrace leather-based seating surfaces, tri-zone local weather management, panoramic sunroof, 10.1-inch touchscreen, and wi-fi smartphone connectivity. The A3’s second row additionally affords extra headroom and legroom than the comfortable rear confines of the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Digital cockpit: This extremely configurable digital instrument show permits the driving force to deal with the street. It shows data — akin to audio settings or navigation instructions — straight within the driver’s ahead imaginative and prescient. Much less glancing away to an infotainment display isn’t a foul factor.
Learn our Audi A3 Professional Assessment or see 2025 Audi A3 fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
The Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 have environment friendly customary drivetrains, nice efficiency fashions, and all-weather grip offered by out there AWD. Every has an inside ambiance that additionally lives as much as the picture of its lauded producer.
Pricing
New 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Costs
The Kelley Blue Guide Honest Buy Worth for any particular person used automobile can range tremendously in line with mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here mirror what consumers are presently paying for New 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA autos and New 2025 Audi A3 autos in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s steered retail worth (MSRP) quoted contains the vacation spot payment, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA | 2025 Audi A3 | |
| Fashionable Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 201 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm | 236 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated | 7-speed automated |
| Gas economic system MPG | 26 metropolis/36 freeway/30 mixed | 24 metropolis/34 freeway/28 mixed |
| Additionally Obtainable | 8-speed automated (for AMG fashions), AWD | Turbo 2.5-liter 5-cyl, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Security | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 inches | 103.5 inches |
| Total Size | 184.6 inches | 176.9 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 71.5inches |
| Peak | 56.7 inches | 56.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 toes | 36.4 toes |
| Headroom, Entrance | 38.5 inches | 36.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 35.7 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 41.8 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 33.9 inches | 35.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 55.1 inches | 54.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.0 inches | 53.0 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 11.6 cubic toes | 10.9 cubic toes |
Conclusion
These are nice small luxurious sedans. After many miles of testing, although, we expect the Audi A3 holds some essential benefits. It has a a lot decrease base worth, gives higher outward imaginative and prescient, and comes with a extra adult-friendly second row. The rear seat within the Mercedes-Benz CLA is cramped, and extensive pillars hinder the view towards the rear. On the plus facet, the CLA feels each bit like a premium automotive. With its clean experience and tech-rich cabin, it serves as a well-executed entry level into Mercedes-Benz possession.
