Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Tesla Model 3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 3 Oct 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: we're still completing kerb weight, ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
Tesla Model 3: we're still completing wheelbase, kerb weight, power, torque and transmission, plus 4 others.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$66,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$45,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $66,500 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model 3 opens at $45,900. That makes the Tesla Model 3 the more affordable entry point by $20,600.
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 $73,150 and $50,490 respectively.
The Tesla Model 3 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Tesla Model 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 94% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 90% for the Tesla Model 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, against 4 on the Tesla Model 3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-005949 · published 15 Apr 2024The electrical power steering control unit back-up software may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2024
- REC-005401 · published 6 Apr 2022Due to a software issue, the automatic network search of the emergency call system (eCall) communication module may be deactivated.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 7 more on the model page.
Tesla Model 3
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005879 · published 30 Jan 2024The rear centre seat position of the Model 3 does not have an accessible top-restraint anchorage point as required by Australian Design Rule 34/03.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 counters with heated front seats, power tailgate and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class measures 4,723mm long on a 2,790mm wheelbase, 3mm longer than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs 5 years (Tesla Model 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model 3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (75 vs 67). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Tesla Model 3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is the cheapest at $45,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by $20,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Tesla Model 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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