Do you want to upgrade from your current car to a new compact luxury sedan? Two of the highest-rated compact luxury cars are the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA. A new 2018 Audi A3 starts at $31,950 MSRP. Meanwhile, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 starts at $33,100 MSRP. To see how these two models compare across all categories of luxury, read through our review below. You can also call (888) 698-1441 to speak to a luxury sedan expert at Audi Hoffman Estates near Schaumburg, IL.
Audi A3 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: Interior and Exterior
Both the A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA come with interior comfort features including power-adjustable front seats and standard dual-zone climate control. However, the new Audi A3 has more legroom in both rows of seating, including 8 more inches more rear legroom than the Mercedes-Benz CLA! It has several other benefits over the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 as well.
- The Audi A3 is available with rain-sensing windshield wipers, as well as full LED automatic headlights, automatic high beams, and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals.
- Heated front seats are standard on every new Audi A3, but they're an added cost feature on the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250.
- Every new Audi A3 has real leather seats, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 uses synthetic leather.
- A panoramic sunroof comes standard in the new Audi A3, but is an optional feature in the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250.
Audi A3 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: Technology
Audi and Mercedes are both known for being on the forefront of vehicle technology. However, Audi makes most of their most exciting tech features available even in entry-level models like the Audi A3 while Mercedes-Benz restricts many of their more advanced technology features to more expensive models.
- The Audi A3 is available with a 12.3-in. fully digital instrument panel; the Mercedes-Benz doesn't have anything similar.
- The new A3 has a 14-speaker, 705-watt Bang & Olufsen® sound system with better sound quality than the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250.
- Audi connect® on the new Audi A3 provides numerous unique services, including Google Earth™, Google Voice Search™, traffic and parking information, and even a Wi-Fi® hotspot.
- The Audi A3's touchpad controller is sophisticated enough to recognize handwritten input.
Audi A3 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: Safety
The Audi A3 with LED headlights was named a 2018 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA did not earn the same distinction. The new A3 not only performs great in crash safety tests, it's also available with incredibly advanced active and passive safety equipment, including:
- Audi quattro® all-wheel drive
- Rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors
- Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Audi side assist with rear cross traffic assist
- Audi pre sense® front
Test Drive a New Compact Luxury Sedan near Schaumburg, IL
The Audi A3 provides a more luxurious experience for a better price than the new Mercedes-Benz CLA. You can learn more about trims and options for the new A3 in our Audi A3 overview. Then, browse new Audi A3 models available for sale at Audi Hoffman Estates in our online inventory. Once you've picked one with the one you'd like to test drive, schedule a visit to our luxury dealership near Schaumburg, IL.
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