 The luxury car market may be booming, but under no circumstances does that mean luxury vehicle customers are undiscerning. Choosing a luxury sedan or four-door coupe still means finding the model that provides the exacting performance, lavish features, and classy design that Hoffman Estates, IL area luxury buyers demand.
To that end, popular models from luxury brands often compete to prove their luxury status. Two such models that will be examined today are the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA250. For the purposes of this comparison, only the 2016 Audi A3 Premium Plus 2.0L and the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 will be used.
2016 Audi A3 vs. Mercedes CLA 250: Performance
Audi's famed quattro® all-wheel drive system steals the show whenever it makes an appearance, thanks to the impressive grip and handling it provides to the 2016 Audi A3. The ultra® lightweight technology behind the body of the new A3 is another way it has such a huge advantage over the Mercedes-Benz CLA250, especially in terms of speed.
| 2016 Audi A3 | VS. | 2016 Mercedes CLA250 |
| 2.0L TFSI® Four-Cylinder | Engine | 2.0L TDI Four-Cylinder |
| 220 HP, 258 lb.-ft. torque | Output | 208 HP, 258 lb.-ft. torque |
| 6-speed S tronic® dual clutch | Transmission | 7-speed dual clutch automatic |
| quattro® all-wheel drive | Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual | Drive Modes | ECO, Sport, Manual |
| 5.8 seconds | Acceleration, 0-60mph | 6.9 seconds |
2016 Audi A3 vs. Mercedes CLA 250: Safety
Though both models provide extensive protection for occupants with eight airbags spread throughout the cabin, vehicle technology has evolved to the point that airbags are no longer the be-all end-all of driver and passenger safety. The Audi A3 offers many standard advanced technologies that improve safety on the roads that can't be had, or had only as an option, on the Mercedes Benz CLA250.
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- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
- Audi pre sense®
- Parking system plus with rear view camera
- Rain/light sensor for automatic windshield wipers and headlights
2016 Audi A3 vs. Mercedes CLA 250: Interior
The interior can be one of the most important aspects customers consider when buying a luxury vehicle. After all, nothing proves luxury more than the comfort of the interior, and quantity and quality of features available. We believe Hoffman Estates, IL area drivers will be very pleased with what these two models have to offer, although one in particular stands out.
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- Drivers and passengers will love the various trim and decorative inlays in these two luxury models, like the aluminum trim of the Audi A3.
- The front seats in the Audi A3 are leather upholstered and heated.
- The Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA250 come with 12-way power driver seats with four way lumbar support.
- Both models offer a seven-inch color display screen with a rotary controller. However, the Audi model display screen can be retracted into the dashboard when not in use.
- The Audi A3 is equipped with a 10-speaker concert radio system with CD and MP3 playback, an SD cart slot, and SiriusXM radio.
- The A3 also includes Audi's proprietary music interface with a Lightning adapter cable.
- Occupants can bask in the panoramic sunroof in the A3, which is not a standard feature in the CLA250.
Do the results surprise you? The Audi A3 certainly outclasses its competitor, when it comes to luxury features, advanced technology, and powerful performance. Hoffman Estates, IL area luxury vehicle shoppers should stop in to our local Audi dealership to take the new 2016 A3 for a test drive and see exactly how impressive it is in person.
View the current inventory here, then call (888) 698-1441 to speak with one of our product specialists.