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2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2017 Audi A3

Mercedes-Benz and Audi are both experts at luxury and performance. With BMW included, American drivers will usually gravitate toward these three luxury German brands when they want something that will impress. As these brands grow, however, new classes of cars come to the surface and in the case of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs the 2017 Audi A3, you get something a little more sporty and economical. But which one gives you more for less? 

The Audi A3 has been around a little longer than the CLA, which can mean a couple different things. First, Audi has spent more time experimenting and implementing new technologies into the A3. At the same time, it means that the design could be a little outdated when compared to the CLA, which was brand new to the industry as a 2013 model.

2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2017 Audi A3
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2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 VS 2017 Audi A3 Premium
2.0L Turbo I4 Standard Engine 1.8L TSFI I4
208 HP Horsepower 170 HP
258 lb-ft Torque 200 lb-ft
26/38 City/Hwy MPG 23/33 City/Hwy

 

AMG® Roots

When you look at the numbers side by side, it is clear that the competition is lopsided. Not only does the CLA have more horsepower and more torque than the Audi, but it also gets better gas mileage with a heavier curb weight. Seems to goo to be true, right? The advantages in the CLA stem back to the Mercedes-Benz AMG® brand, where the AMG  CLA 45 engine is handcrafted to produce the most amount of power possible. The CLA 250 does not get handcrafted by Mercedes-Benz AMG®, but it does borrow a lot of technology from the racing-inspired CLA 45. These engines, combined with the already proven 7-speed automatic transmission in many Mercedes-Benz models, makes the CLA 250, fast, efficient, and comfortable.  

The Audi A3 does have its advantages too, but if you want to upgrade from the entry-level, the cost will jump to a higher number than that of the CLA. If you are looking for something that is compact yet spacious, quick yet efficient, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe is a much better investment than the Audi A3. If you have any questions about the CLA, contact us at Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead today!

2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA's steering wheel
2017 Audi A3's steering wheel and dashboard
Front seats of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Back seats of the 2017 Audi A3
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC on a foggy day
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class on a sunny day