2017 Audi A3 vs. 2017 Mercedes Benz CLA-Class

When you're looking for your standard four-door sedan or luxury car, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options available to you. Unless you're a car guru, many of them probably appear similar on the outside, and there's no way to test drive them all to see which handles better and has more to offer on the inside. Your local Joe Pecheles Audi, serving Greenville, New Bern, and Raleigh, is here to help by providing you with this comparison of two of the hottest cars on the market this year, the 2017 Audi A3 and the 2017 Mercedes Benz CLA-Class.

Power and Performance

The 2017 Audi A3 and the Mercedes Benz CLA-Class offer comparable levels of power and handling, although the A3 does come out slightly on top in both of these aspects. Both the A3 and the CLA-Class come with 2.0-L, direct-injected inline-4 engines. The A3 comes with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the CLA models come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Despite this, the drivability of the A3 is more reliable and predictable than the CLA-Class, and it offers a bit more in terms of power. The A3 beats the CLA-Class to a speed of 60 miles per hour by barely a second. And whether you opt for a front wheel or all wheel drive A3 model, you're looking at 220 horsepower, compared to the CLA-Class horsepower of 208.

Comfort and Entertainment

If you're checking out the 2017 Audi A3 and the Mercedes Benz CLA-Class vehicles, you're obviously looking for a luxurious car that rides like a dream and offers more in terms of comfort and convenience than your typical vehicle. While both vehicles include a total of five seats, the A3 provides its front and back-seat passengers with much more room compared to the CLA-Class.

Standard convenience features that come with both vehicles include power windows, power locks, power seats, AC, a CD player and radio, but the A3 also comes standard with leather seats and a sunroof. The A3 is also available in a convertible option, while the CLA-Class is not. Additionally, the A3 includes an impressive multimedia system featuring a 4G LTE data connection, Google Earth maps and Street View maps. You and your passengers can connect your devices for a more interactive experience, and the system tucks securely into the dash when the vehicle is parked.

Safety Features

Safety features that come standard with each vehicle include anti-lock brakes and driver, passenger, front side and curtain airbags. The 2017 Audi A3 also comes with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, while the CLA-Class offers Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist. However, the Audi Drive Select allows you to choose from multiple boost levels, and its steering and braking systems handle better than those in the CLA-Class.

Test Drive a 2017 Audi A3 Today

Overall, both the 2017 Audi A3 and the 2017 Mercedes Benz CLA-Class are classy options if you're looking for a reliable luxury vehicle. But if you're hoping to find something that's on the more versatile, practical side, the A3 is the way to go. Here at your Greenville, New Bern, and Raleigh Audi dealership, we strive to provide our shoppers with the best in service and vehicle selection. If you think the 2017 Audi A3 sounds like a good fit for you, stop by for a visit at Pecheles Audi or contact us to schedule a test drive today!