Audi S3 VS Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz vehicles don't create as much value for the money as the Audi line-up, and our first comparison is an excellent example of that. Both brands have compact, entry-level sedans, but the Mercedes CLA is so much more expensive than the Audi A3 that we've had to move up to the performance-focused S3 just to have a comparison with comparable pricing. It therefore shouldn't come as a big surprise that the Audi in this comparison comes with more power, but what might be more surprising is the huge gap in 0-60 times. Additionally, stopping happens quite a bit quicker in the Audi as well, thanks to the bigger brakes. And since these are compact sedans, rear legroom is a much-coveted quality, and the Audi wins in this area too.

It would be reasonable to think that the Mercedes probably starts at a higher price because it has more standard equipment, but a closer look shows that this isn't the case either. Starting with the stereo, you get more speakers with the S3, and upgrading the CLA to also have 10 speakers will set you back an additional $1,500 - more than the price difference between the two models by itself. Similarly, the S3 comes with 3-zone climate control, while the CLA comes with dual-zone, and 3-zone is yet another additional-cost option. Heated seats with leather upholstery are another big advantage for the Audi, since the front seats in the Mercedes are neither of those things. And even though the wheels that come with each vehicle are the same size, the painted calipers on the Audi give it a little extra visual flair, yet another feature that costs extra on the Mercedes.

Next, we have the Audi Q5 up against the very similarly-sized Mercedes-Benz GLB. Pricing starts off pretty close, but the Audi comes with standard all-wheel drive, while the Mercedes doesn't. So we went with the GLB 250 4MATIC to add the AWD, while selecting the more powerful 45 TFSI drivetrain for the Q5 to keep the pricing similar, even though the standard drivetrain will still hit 60 mph quicker than the GLB. We also did this to demonstrate that picking an upgraded engine for the Q5 doesn't require you to upgrade to the performance-oriented SQ5, but getting more power for the GLB requires optioning up to the AMG version, which starts at more than $60,000. And it's not just speed, the more sophisticated front suspension setup on the Audi makes for more precise handling as well

These two vehicles are very similar in size in most areas, but there are a couple of important differences. The first is the size of the fuel tank. This isn't usually a top priority for people when shopping for a vehicle, but buying a GLB will absolutely add up to a lot more gas station visits after a couple of years. You get more cargo space in the back of the Q5, and when you need to tow something, the above-average towing capacity of the Q5 stands in pretty stark contrast to the GLB's literal lack of a tow rating. And just like the last comparison, you get more standard equipment in the Audi, with both speakers and leather seats on the list again. Finally, the Q5 also has standard adaptive cruise control, which is an extra $600 on the GLB.

Last up, we're showing the other end of the product spectrum, with each brand's flagship electric sedan. And we can once again see that the same amount of money gets you far superior performance when you go with Audi. The e-tron GT produces more power, and as such, is unsurprisingly more than a second quicker to 60 mph. Some of this is due to the two-speed transmission found in the e-tron GT, a feature unique to the e-tron GT and its platform mate the Porsche Taycan. Similarly, the e-tron GT is much lighter than competing EVs, more than 500 pounds lighter than the EQS.

The real strength of Audi however, is it's charging time, an area where the e-tron GT's platform leads the industry. The charging rate leads the EV segment, and you can see why this is important by looking at the charging times. The Audi can get to 80% charging from a lower starting point in a significantly shorter period, which adds-up to less time sitting at a charging station, and more time enjoying your drive.