Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Audi RS3

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi RS3 opens at $101,515. 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 $115,390 and $111,667 respectively.

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

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

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 9 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 6 in the Audi RS3. The Audi RS3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class misses.

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

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

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

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.

The Audi RS3 responds with a 5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging making 294kW and 500Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 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 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class measures 4,850mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 302mm longer than the Audi RS3 at 4,548mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 385L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 321L in the Audi RS3, 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 $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and $2,337/year for the Audi RS3. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class.

Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $2,337 (Audi RS3). 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 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3). Both match on warranty length.