The luxury compact sedan segment showcases two top contenders for 2025: the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3. Both vehicles target drivers seeking sophistication and performance, but the CLA elevates the driving experience with its striking design, advanced technology, and superior power delivery. A detailed comparison reveals how these German rivals distinguish themselves across key aspects that matter most as you search for your next luxury vehicle.
Design and Aesthetics
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA makes a bold statement with its coupe-like silhouette and flowing body lines, setting it apart from the Audi A3's more traditional sedan profile. The CLA's longer and wider dimensions create a more commanding presence, measuring 184.8 inches in length and 72.2 inches in width compared to the A3's more compact 176.9-inch length and 71.5-inch width. The CLA's lower height of 55.3 inches contributes to its athletic stance, while the A3 stands at 56.2 inches.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA interior showcases premium materials with a sophisticated dashboard layout. 64-color LED ambient lighting and illuminated vents create an upscale atmosphere that elevates the driving experience. The cabin features MB-Tex upholstery with power front seats, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat configuration, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The A3 presents a more conservative interior design approach with leather seating surfaces, though both vehicles maintain high build-quality standards.
A standard Panorama power roof enhances the CLA's luxurious feel while flooding the cabin with natural light. The front fascia incorporates distinctive LED headlights and the signature Mercedes-Benz grille design. The longer wheelbase of 107.4 inches, compared to the A3's 103.5 inches, not only contributes to the CLA's elegant proportions but also helps provide a balanced ride quality.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA delivers superior performance with its 2.0-liter inline-four turbo engine, producing 221 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This significantly outperforms the Audi A3's 2.0-liter engine, which generates 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The CLA's higher torque output gives you more robust acceleration and passing power across a broader range of driving situations.
The CLA's eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission offers smoother gear changes compared to the A3's seven-speed transmission. Both vehicles feature all-wheel drive capabilities, with the CLA's 4MATIC system available across most trim levels. The CLA's longer wheelbase contributes to improved stability during high-speed cruising while maintaining agile handling.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA's handling blends sportiness with comfort. The precise steering response and balanced suspension create an engaging driving experience that remains composed through corners while delivering a comfortable ride during daily commuting. The wider track width of 63.4 inches in front and 63.3 inches in rear, compared to the A3's 60.7 inches front and 59.6 inches rear, provides enhanced stability and cornering capability.
Technology and Safety Features
The Mercedes-Benz CLA's MBUX infotainment system centers around a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia display, complemented by a matching 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The system features advanced voice control with natural language understanding, activated by saying, "Hey, Mercedes." Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard, along with a Bluetooth interface and inductive wireless charging with near-field communication pairing.
Standard safety features on the Mercedes-Benz CLA include active brake assist, ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness detection, and blind-spot assist with exit warning. The DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control system helps maintain a preset distance from vehicles ahead, while the Mercedes-Benz emergency call service provides automatic assistance in emergencies. The PRESAFE system can detect certain conditions that suggest an impending collision and automatically take measures to help protect occupants.
The A3 offers comparable technology with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital cockpit, though its interface lacks some of the CLA's advanced voice control capabilities. Both vehicles provide comprehensive driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning systems. However, the CLA's technology integration delivers a more seamless user experience with its intuitive MBUX interface and natural voice commands.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA achieves impressive fuel economy ratings of 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, with a combined rating of 30 mpg. This slightly edges out the Audi A3's ratings of 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, with a combined 28 mpg. The CLA's efficiency is particularly noteworthy given its higher horsepower and torque outputs.
The CLA's driving range extends to 351 miles in city conditions and 486 miles on highways despite its slightly smaller 13.5-gallon fuel tank compared to the A3's 14.5-gallon capacity. The A3 offers similar range capabilities with 348 miles city and 493 miles highway. Both vehicles incorporate mild hybrid technology to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Environmental impact considerations show the A3 produces 6.3 tons of CO2 emissions annually, while the CLA generates 7.1 tons. The A3 receives a slightly better EPA greenhouse gas score of 6.0 compared to the CLA's 5.0. Both vehicles feature advanced engine management systems and aerodynamic designs to minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining performance capabilities.
Leasing a 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Current lease offers for the CLA 250 include payments starting at $469 per month for 39 months, with $4,363 due at signing. This competitive offer makes luxury ownership more accessible while providing excellent value through the CLA's comprehensive feature set. The offer includes an acquisition fee of $795 and gives you the flexibility to purchase the vehicle at lease end for $25,964 plus applicable taxes and fees.
Experience the 2025 CLA at Ciocca Mercedes-Benz of State College
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA stands out with its design, performance, and technology features. Visit our dealership at 127 Leisure Lane in State College, Pennsylvania, to experience these advantages firsthand. Our expert staff can demonstrate the CLA's innovative features and arrange a test drive so you can experience its dynamic performance.
Our sales team is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Contact us at 814-206-0904 to schedule a test drive and explore current promotions. Our team will help you discover why the CLA represents the pinnacle of compact luxury sedan excellence.
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