2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. 2024 Audi A3 Comparability

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 are small luxurious sedans that may be sensible day by day drivers. Moreover, when outfitted with non-obligatory performance-tuned engines, they can be fearsomely quick. 

Having been launched for the 2020 mannequin yr, Mercedes noticed match to offer the 2024 CLA a reasonably vital refresh. This consists of an up to date entrance and rear design with LED high-performance headlights, an improved infotainment system, and the addition of a gentle hybrid engine. What doesn’t change is the refinement and grown-up really feel of Mercedes’ smallest sedan.

As for the 2024 Audi A3, this technology arrived for the 2022 mannequin yr, so adjustments this yr are comparatively minor. It will get new inside and exterior colour decisions, together with a brand new 18-inch alloy wheel design as a part of the Black Optic Sport bundle. 

Like its Mercedes rival, the Audi A3 has city-friendly proportions, out there all-wheel drive (AWD), and a complicated inside. How do they fare when pitted towards one another? Let’s discover out by exploring the highlights of every sedan.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a beginning worth of $44,350, together with vacation spot expenses, and is offered in 4 predominant trims: CLA 250, CLA 250 4Matic, AMG 35, and AMG 45 S. The CLA 250 is the one one provided with a selection of front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD; all others include AWD commonplace. Powering the CLA 250 and 250 4Matic is a 221-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed computerized. 

New this yr is a mild-hybrid drivetrain supposed to enhance gas mileage and assist clean out the cease/begin system. Throughout our many check drives of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, we’ve loved its trip consolation, maneuverability, and keen acceleration.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Highlights 

AMG fashions: Many automotive consumers can be glad sticking with the usual drivetrain. But it’s arduous to disregard the 2 mighty AMG fashions within the lineup. The AMG 35 produces 302 hp, whereas the range-topping AMG 45 S — now simply the CLA 45 S — delivers a complete of 416 hp (a rise of 34 horses in comparison with final yr). They arrive with an AMG-specific AWD system, sport suspensions, and an 8-speed computerized. They’re expensive but additionally outrageously fast and enjoyable to drive.  

Mercedes-Benz Consumer Expertise: Also called the MBUX, the infotainment system fitted to the Mercedes-Benz CLA is equally nearly as good as what Mercedes makes use of in bigger, costlier choices. This twin show unit consists of a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a ten.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Certainly one of our favourite highlights is its multitude of voice instructions and wi-fi smartphone connectivity. Okay, these is likely to be two.

Burmester audio: Audiophiles take word as a result of this 12-speaker surround-sound audio system is amazingly crisp, clear, and highly effective. Dolby Atmos know-how makes the sound even richer and extra encompassing. 

Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the CLA fashions close to you.

2024 Audi A3

The 2024 Audi A3’s entry-level worth is $36,895, factoring in factory-to-dealer supply charges. It is available in six variants: A3 TFSI Premium, A3 TFSI Premium Plus, S3 Premium, S3 Premium Plus, S3 Status, and RS 3. 

A 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 7-speed computerized is underneath the hood of the A3 TFSI Premium and A3 TFSI Premium Plus. FWD is commonplace; AWD is non-obligatory. EPA-estimated mixed gas financial system is 32 mpg, or 30 mpg with AWD.

Audi A3 Highlights

S3 and RS 3 fashions: Just like the CLA, the A3 has a few speedy alternate 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 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However wait, as a result of the RS 3 comes with an much more potent 401-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and AWD. Hit the gasoline pedal, and also you’ll want solely 3.6 seconds to speed up from cease to 60 mph.

Enterprise-class cabin: This is likely to be Audi’s least costly mannequin, besides you’d by no means comprehend it when inside its elegant inside. Customary touches embrace leather-based seating, tri-zone local weather management, a panoramic sunroof, a ten.1-inch touchscreen, and wi-fi smartphone connectivity. It’s additionally value mentioning that the A3’s second row affords extra headroom and legroom than the comfy rear confines of the Mercedes-Benz CLA. 

Digital cockpit: This extremely configurable digital instrument show permits the driving force to maintain their deal with the street forward. It shows automobile data, reminiscent of audio settings or navigation instructions, straight within the driver’s ahead imaginative and prescient. Much less glancing away at an infotainment display is rarely a foul factor.

Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the A3 fashions close to you.

Similarities

The Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 boast environment friendly commonplace drivetrains, wild efficiency fashions, and all-weather grip supplied by out there AWD. Every has an inside ambiance that additionally lives as much as its model picture.

Conclusion

These are nice, small, luxurious sedans, although after many miles of testing, we expect the Audi A3 holds some essential benefits. To begin, it has a a lot decrease base worth. It additionally offers higher outward visibility and 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 product. From its clean trip and tech-rich cabin, it serves as a well-executed entry level into Mercedes possession.