The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA and 2025 Audi A3 are small luxury sedans that can be practical daily drivers. With optional performance-tuned engines, they can also be gloriously fast.
Introduced for the 2020 model year, Mercedes-Benz gave last year’s 2024 CLA a fairly significant refresh that included updated front and rear designs, LED high-performance headlights, improved infotainment system, and the addition of a mild hybrid engine. What doesn’t change is the refinement and grown-up feel of the marque’s smallest sedan.
This generation of Audi A3 arrived for the 2022 model year and receives a few tweaks this time around (see below). Like its Mercedes-Benz rival, the Audi A3 has city-friendly dimensions and a sophisticated interior. How do they fare when pitted against each other? Let’s find out by exploring the highlights of each model.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a starting price of $45,550, including the destination charge. It’s available as the CLA 250, CLA 250 4Matic, AMG 35, and AMG 45 S. The CLA 250 starts out with front-wheel drive (FWD), while the rest have all-wheel drive (AWD). The CLA 250 and 250 4Matic employ a 221-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed automatic.
Following a major revamp last year that brought a mild-hybrid drivetrain (to improve fuel economy and help smooth out the stop/restart system), Mercedes-Benz now offers a 360-degree camera system as an individual option. It was available previously only as part of the Parking Assistance package. During our many test drives of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, we’ve enjoyed its ride comfort, maneuverability, and eager acceleration.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Highlights
AMG models: Many potential buyers will be happy with the standard drivetrain. Yet it’s hard to ignore the two superb AMG models. The AMG 35 produces 302 horsepower, while the range-topping CLA 45 S develops a total of 416 hp. They come with an AMG-tuned AWD system, sport suspensions, and an 8-speed automatic. They’re pricey, yet also engagingly quick and fun.
Mercedes-Benz User Experience: Also known as the MBUX, the infotainment system in the Mercedes-Benz CLA is equally as good as what Mercedes-Benz uses in its larger, more expensive offerings. This dual display unit consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Among our favorite highlights here is its multitude of voice commands and wireless smartphone connectivity.
Burmester audio: Audiophiles take note — this 12-speaker surround-sound system is amazingly crisp, clear, and powerful. Dolby Atmos technology makes the listening experience even richer and more encompassing.
Read our Mercedes-Benz CLA Expert Review or see 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA models for sale near you.
2025 Audi A3
2024 model shown
The 2025 Audi A3’s entry-level price is $39,495, including the destination charge. The base A3 40 TFSI is available in Premium and Premium Plus trims. The higher-performance S3 comes in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The awesome RS 3 is a trim unto itself.
This year brings minor styling revisions for the exterior and interior, plus new paint hues and wheel designs. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster becomes standard. The free Audi Connect Nav trial subscription is increased from six months to three years. All-wheel drive is now standard. Oh, and the engine gets another 15 lb-ft of torque — which doesn’t make much difference, but it’s better than a decrease.
Under the hood of the A3 40 TFSI is a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy is 28 mpg.
Audi A3 Highlights
S3 and RS 3 models: Similar to the CLA, the A3 has a couple of rapid alternatives to the standard drivetrain. The S3’s combination 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 even more muscular 401-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine and AWD. Hit the gas pedal, and 60 mph comes up in only 3.6 seconds.
Business-class cabin: This is Audi’s least expensive model, but you’d never know from its classy interior. Standard touches include leather seating surfaces, tri-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, 10.1-inch touchscreen, and wireless smartphone connectivity. The A3’s second row also offers more headroom and legroom than the cozy rear confines of the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Virtual cockpit: This highly configurable digital instrument display allows the driver to focus on the road. It displays information — such as audio settings or navigation commands — directly in the driver’s forward vision. Less glancing away to an infotainment screen is never a bad thing.
Read our Audi A3 Expert Review or see 2025 Audi A3 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 have efficient standard drivetrains, great performance models, and all-weather grip provided by available AWD. Each has an interior ambiance that also lives up to the image of its lauded manufacturer.
Pricing
New 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA vehicles and New 2025 Audi A3 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA | 2025 Audi A3 | |
| Popular 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 automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 26 city/36 highway/30 combined | 24 city/34 highway/28 combined |
| Also Available | 8-speed automatic (for AMG models), AWD | Turbo 2.5-liter 5-cyl, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 inches | 103.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.6 inches | 176.9 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 71.5inches |
| Height | 56.7 inches | 56.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | 36.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.5 inches | 36.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 35.7 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.8 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 33.9 inches | 35.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.1 inches | 54.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.0 inches | 53.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 11.6 cubic feet | 10.9 cubic feet |
Conclusion
These are great small luxury sedans. After many miles of testing, though, we think the Audi A3 holds some important advantages. It has a much lower base price, provides better outward vision, and comes with a more adult-friendly second row. The rear seat in the Mercedes-Benz CLA is cramped, and wide pillars hinder the view toward the rear. On the plus side, the CLA feels every bit like a premium car. With its smooth ride and tech-rich cabin, it serves as a well-executed entry point into Mercedes-Benz ownership.