2025 Audi S3 vs Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: the executive decision
Are you a young, talented sales rep who needs some show to match your go? Do you lust for the performance of a 'hot hatch' but require something that wouldn't look out of place on a LinkedIn post? The 2025 Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 are here for you, and they both offer performance thrills, luxurious panache, and daily driver functionality–all neatly tucked beneath the guise of a blazer and tailored slacks.
These sports sedans offer near-identical performance–each is powered by some form of a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces just over 300 horsepower, they both send power to all four wheels, and they both use dual-clutch automatic transmissions to do so. So, since these two vehicles are so similar underneath, let's take a look at how they compare on the surface.First, we'll focus our gaze on the Audi S3–an established, well-loved compact sports sedan with vibrant aftermarket support that also makes iconic fart sounds. From its turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the S3 produces 328 horsepower–26 more than the CLA 35–and routes its thrust to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The S3 accelerates more quickly than the Benz, with Audi claiming a 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds, versus the CLA 35's claimed 4.8. Not only does the S3 have more hustle and bustle under the hood, it also has more space in the back. Comfortable clients make for happy clients, and happy clients mean you get paid.
Although the CLA 35 is officially branded as a "four-door coupe", it's certainly noteworthy that the S3 sedan beats out the CLA 35's rear seat dimensions in every vital metric, including headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. On the flip side, however, the S3 offers a notably lower cargo capacity compared to the big-boot Benz.
Just to recap–the S3 is more powerful, has a more spacious cabin, directly rivals the CLA 35, but is priced $7,400 lower than the Mercedes when plucked as a 'Premium' trim line. The 2025 Audi S3 Premium starts at $48,700, whereas the base CLA 35 commands a more hefty, $56,100 price tag. Ouch.
You might assume the stark difference in price is somehow related to equipment packaging, and that the CLA 35 might offer far more advanced technology and premium features as standard. However, even the top-trim, 2025 Audi S3 Prestige is priced lower than a CLA 35 with no optional equipment–at $54,900. So, what gives?Despite the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35's already-higher price tag when compared to the S3, there are plenty of pricey option boxes to be ticked if you'd like to personalize it even further. Once you start throwing in optional features such as genuine leather upholstery, AMG Performance Seats, AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Ride Control, and more, it's possible to skyrocket that MSRP well north of $75,000.
Consider the fact that Audi's even more powerful RS3 can be had for as little as $62,300, and this begins to seem almost nonsensical. What's even more concerning is that you could purchase Mercedes-AMG's very own CLE 53 Coupe, which offers a much more potent, 443-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six with hybrid assist, all-wheel drive, and a claimed 4.0 second 0-60 time–for as low as $74,300.
With its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2025 CLA 35 AMG pumps out a healthy serving of 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Although that's plenty of 'get-up and go' for its size, the S3 offers more for less. And, although they both use 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmissions, the S3's gearbox is far more intuitive and engaging to operate when in manual-shift mode, using the available flappy paddles.
Although it may not be quite as intuitive behind the wheel, the CLA 35 is still a riot to drive, and narrowly matches the S3's preppy-but-peppy charisma. To the touch, the AMG is noticeably more 'premium' on the outside, and the fact that its dashboard isn't entirely coated in glossy black plastic and bright screens is a plus, as well.
It's not as if the CLA's added cost doesn't shine through in the details, though. There is certainly a "Mercedes-Benz" level of material quality that is closely replicated in the S3, but not quite matched. If you are obsessive compulsive about your interior spaces, the CLA 35 is a commendable option over the S3's gloss black plastic surfaces.Regardless of which you choose, these models are like the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. It may be the least expensive new Rolex you can buy, but hey, now you're in the club. You'll get all the enjoyment and practical use of a hot hatch like the Volkswagen Golf R and the Toyota GR Corolla, but with a lot more comfort and clout.
Think of these cars like Lululemon ABC Pants–you can wear them when golfing, when jogging, and when socializing out in public, but you could probably still get away with wearing them to work once in a while. The 2025 Audi S3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA 35 Coupe are kings of young-professional versatility, and it's worth noting that the BMW M235 Gran Coupe is another reasonable alternative to both, especially now that it gets a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox for the 2025 model year.
Ultimately, the CLA 35 Coupe is a suavely-dressed seductress when compared to the S3's more conservative aesthetic, but I'm not sure if it does quite enough to justify its price tag over the Audi. The Benz may be chiseled to the core, but the S3 is certainly handsome and polite in its overall tone, and offers more car for less money to buyers who are more concerned with how it drives than with how much attention it attracts.
Would you spring for the prim and proper, mad-dashing Audi S3 Sedan, or the bold, confident Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Coupe? Do you prefer the Audi's minimalistic interior, or are you partial towards the Benz's more vibrant environment? Let us know how you feel in the comments–we love to hear from you!
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