Audi A3 Vs Mercedes-Benz CLA – Spec comparison

Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA has been popular for entry-level luxury cars. To provide petrol and diesel engine options, while the car recently launched a new upgrade. Audi A3 is based on the MQB platform, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA is based on the a-level platform.

Under the hood, the petrol version of the Audi A3 is powered by a 1.8-liter TFSI engine with 177 horsepower and 250 nm of torque, while the diesel version has a 2.0-liter engine that generates 141 horsepower and 320 nm of torque. These two engines mate the 7-speed DSG gearbox. As for the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the petrol version of the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 156 horsepower and 200 nm torque. The diesel version of the 2.2-liter turbocharged engine produces 136 horsepower and 300 nm torque. The petrol and diesel classes are 7-speed automatic transmissions for mating type gearshifts. Speaking of performance, the Audi A3 is a better actor compared to the Mercedes-Benz (mercedes-benz) class. In terms of fuel efficiency, A3 returns a slightly smaller fuel efficiency chart, but it proves the difference between an impressive and powerful person.

In terms of features, Audi A3 offers premium upholstery, wireless phone charging function, dual-zone climate control, a revised three-spoke steering wheel, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors and a 7-inch retractable screen for the MMI infotainment system. While, the CLA from Mercedes comes with 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options for smartphones, chrome COMAND wheel, both front and back powered seats, 360 degree camera and more. As for safety, both the cars are offered with fair amount of safety features like ABS with EBD, ESP, multiple airbags, brake assist with adaptive braking, hill assist and more. The CLA gets an additional advantage by offering LED automatic headlamps with adaptive function. Between the two, the CLA from Mercedes-Benz wins extra pointers in terms of safety aspect. Like safety, the CLA also impresses buyers with more features and an appealing interior layout.

Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA feature unique styling aspects. The former features ‘arrow head’ DRLs, bi-xenon headlamps and a familiar trapezoidal grille. Choosing the S-Line variant will mean extra skirting, five-spoke 17-inch wheel rims, scarlet paint and badging on the fenders and the scuff plates. The taillamp like most Audi’s continues to the boot lids. The CLA on the other hand gets bigger front bumper, large LED headlamps, restyled tail lamps, more chrome and angular exhaust tips. The Audi range in the country is priced between Rs 27.10-lakh to Rs 35.65-lakh (Ex-showroom, New Delhi), while the Mercedes-Benz CLA is priced between Rs 31.71-lakh to Rs 35.02-lakh (Ex-showroom, New Delhi).

For buyers on a tight budget the Audi A3 base variant comes forth as a good pick, while those who are keen on a feature loaded vehicle, the CLA from Mercedes-Benz is an ideal choice. Mercedes-Benz CLA is a decent performer that offers a fine balance of style, safety and features and indeed comes as a better option. As for customers who do not mind loosing on a few features for better performance and driving esthetics, the Audi A3 is the right choice.