Audi RS3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class

The Audi RS3 starts from $101,515 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class opens at $104,900. That makes the Audi RS3 the more affordable entry point by $3,385.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $111,667 and $115,390 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Audi RS3 and 92% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi RS3 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi RS3 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Audi RS3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class misses.

The Audi RS3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi RS3 stands out with heated front seats and Sonos 3D Premium audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi RS3 gets nappa leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class offers synthetic leather.

The Audi RS3 uses a 5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging producing 294kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.

The Audi RS3 has the clear power advantage at 294kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS3 is 4.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi RS3 measures 4,548mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 302mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class at 4,850mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 321L in the Audi RS3 and 385L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class a 64L advantage. The Audi RS3 seats 5 vs 4.

For towing, the Audi RS3 leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Audi RS3 and $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.

Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Audi RS3) vs $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class). Both match on warranty length.