Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Audi A3: Spec comparison

With the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-class, it has officially formed the entry-luxury sedan segment from a one horse race. The horse is question is the capable Audi A3. Both are front wheel drive cars with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, come with automatic gearboxes and are targeting the young up-and-coming professional. Before we get them head to head on road, let’s have a look at how the two cars stand on paper…

Size and Space:

The CLA and A3 have relieved the C-Class and A4 of entry luxury sedan duties. These two cars are now the first step to three-box luxury and to create the segment, both cars had to be smaller and more youth oriented. When red is the most popular colour in both brands, youth orientation is a given but what about the size? The CLA is longer and taller than the A3 but the A3 makes up for it in width and packaging. Only when we bring the two together will we know exactly which one offers more space on the inside but the longer wheelbase of the Mercedes CLA tilts it in its favour. Weight of the Audi A3 works in its advantage and while the engines specifications are on par (next section), the extra 215kg in the petrol and 230kg in the diesel are sure to weigh the Mercedes down. The CLA lastly has the bigger boot at 470 litres. 

Engines: 

You get a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine each and both are specified to compete neck to neck against the other brand. The Mercedes CLA petrol has a 2.0-litre block while the Audi A3 has a 1.8-litre mill developing 183PS and 180PS respectively. The Audi however is considerably low on torque here with just 250Nm but the lighter weight should make up for the lack of torque. Among the diesels, the heavier Mercedes is the weaker of the two with a deficit in power, torque and efficiency. Considering this will be the volume seller of the two, Audi should be confident to hold an edge. The Audi A3 uses a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox for the petrol and a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox for the diesel. The Mercedes CLA offers both versions with 7-speed DCT units. 

Features:

The petrol Mercedes-Benz CLA is only available in top Sport trim and the petrol Audi A3 comes in Premium Plus, one below the top of the line technology trim. The Audi loses out on a panoramic sunroof, rear parking camera and satellite navigation among major features. The diesel Audi A3 gets all these features though. Mercedes is offering both the petrol and the diesel CLA with paddle shifters while Audi offers neither model with it, even as an option. Both cars in base trim get 16 inch wheels and fabric seats while other trims get 17 inch wheels and leather upholstery.  

Price: 

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a full import and that is why it is so much more expensive than the Audi A3. If you plan to buy either one of the two immediately, the Audi A3 is a no brainer at this price point. Mercedes will start local assembly soon after which prices should drop to competitive levels. It will be costlier than the Audi A3 even after the CLA is made at the Mercedes plant in Pune.