Compare the2026 Mercedes AMG CLAVS 2026 Audi S3

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes AMG CLA have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Audi S3 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The AMG CLA’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The S3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the AMG CLA and the S3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 25 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the AMG CLA’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 59 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 30 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

The AMG CLA 45 S’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 88 more horsepower (416 vs. 328) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 295) than the S3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

Regenerative brakes improve the AMG CLA’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The S3 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Mercedes AMG CLA, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the S3.

For better traction, the AMG CLA has larger standard tires than the S3 (235/40R18 vs. 225/40R18). The AMG CLA 45 S’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the S3 (255/35R19 vs. 235/35R19).

The AMG CLA’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The S3 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the AMG CLA’s wheelbase is 3.8 inches longer than on the S3 (107.4 inches vs. 103.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the AMG CLA is 2.7 inches wider in the front and 3.3 inches wider in the rear than the track on the S3.

The AMG CLA 45 S handles at .99 G’s, while the S3 pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The AMG CLA 45 S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the S3 (24.1 seconds @ .8 average G’s vs. 24.6 seconds @ .79 average G’s).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the AMG CLA a Compact car, while the S3 is rated a Subcompact.

The AMG CLA has 1.7 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front legroom, .3 inches more front shoulder room and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the S3.

The AMG CLA has a much larger trunk than the S3 (11.6 vs. 8.3 cubic feet).

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional at extra cost in the S3, the AMG CLA has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The AMG CLA’s standard easy entry and exit feature glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S3 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The AMG CLA’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Engine Start/Stop standard on the S3 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The S3’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The AMG CLA’s optional adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The AMG CLA’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The S3’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

The Mercedes AMG CLA has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors costs extra on the S3.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the AMG CLA keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The S3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the AMG CLA’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The S3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The AMG CLA offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the S3.

The Mercedes CLA outsold the Audi A3/S3/RS 3 by 23% during 2024.