Audi A3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Overview
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | CLA 250 |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Model year | 2024 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $35,800 (best) | $42,750 |
| Lowest listing price | $11,990 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $29,500 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $42,766 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 15 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| City MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 37 MPG (best) | 36 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 13.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 221 hp (best) |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 10.9 cu ft | 11.6 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 860 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,329 lbs (best) | 4,530 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 107.4 in (best) |
| Length | 176.9 in | 184.6 in (best) |
| Width | 71.5 in | 72 in (best) |
| Height | 56.2 in | 56.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi A3Premium | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi A3 | Mercedes-Benz CLA250 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $35,800 MSRP(Currently comparing) | CLA 250 $42,750 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium Plus $39,400 MSRP | CLA 250 4MATIC $44,750 MSRP |
Live inventory
Audi A315 for sale
See all
Used2012 Audi A3
2.0T Premium
Brilliant Black•Black86,307 mi$11,990Drive Appeal
Eden Prairie, MN
Used2025 Audi A3
40 Premium
Arkona White•Black/Rock Gray Stitching5,546 mi$33,000Plaza Auto Mall
Brooklyn, NY
Used2024 Audi A3
40 Premium
Ibis White•Black/Rock Gray Stitching58,896 mi$22,499Hacienda Ford of Alice
Alice, TX
Used2023 Audi A3
40 Premium Plus
Mythos Black Metallic•Santos Brown/Steel Gray Stitching46,024 mi$26,550Lindsay Volvo Cars of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA
Used2026 Audi A3
Premium Plus
Arrow Gray Pearl Effect•Parchment Beige/Steel Gray Stitching2,013 mi$37,423Jack Hanania Audi Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
Used2025 Audi A3
40 Premium
Manhattan Gray Metallic•black3,950 mi$30,600Mazda San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Audi A3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ
- Which is better: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2024 Audi A3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2024 Audi A3 starts lower at $35,800. Live Audi A3 listings start at $11,990.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- The 2024 Audi A3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (35,800).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- The 2024 Audi A3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (32).
- Which has better horsepower: 2024 Audi A3 or 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 leads on horsepower in this comparison (221).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2024 Audi A3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi A3 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).