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Compact luxury sedans offer drivers a compelling combination of prestige, comfort, style, and cutting-edge technology to help you make the most of every mile. Although the segment is quite crowded with an extensive list of competitors, Mercedes-Benz of Easton wants to help you make a more informed decision if you’re in the market for a compact luxury sedan. Our team has assembled this competitive comparison in which the sleek Mercedes-Benz CLA goes up against the Acura Integra, Audi A3, and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Once you see the results, you’ll understand why more and more drivers continue to choose Mercedes-Benz over the competition.
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 | VS | 2024 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Technology CVT |
| $43,200 | MSRP | $36,800 |
| 2.0L inline-4 turbo ✓ | Engine | 1.5L inline-4 turbo |
| 221 HP / 258 LB-FT TQ ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 200 HP / 192 LB-FT TQ |
| 7-speed dual-clutch automatic ✓ | Transmission | CVT |
| Optional ✓ | All-Wheel Drive | Not Available |
| 13 inches / 12.6 inches ✓ | Brake Rotor Size (front / rear) | 12.3 inches / 11.1 inches |
| Panoramic 1st/2nd Row ✓ | Power Sunroof | 1st Row |
| 36.1 feet ✓ | Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet |
| 10.3 inches standard ✓ | Touchscreen Size | 7 inches standard, 9 inches optional |
First up against the Mercedes-Benz CLA is the Acura Integra, the nameplate having recently been reintroduced to replace the ILX. In A-Spec trim, and with the Technology Package, the Integra has a lot of the same equipment as the CLA at a very similar price. However, we’re going to take a look at some details of this equipment to see whether it’s really so close. For starters, the Mercedes-Benz comes with a bigger engine, which is also more powerful. Not only that, but the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in the Mercedes-Benz is going to provide much better driver engagement than the CVT in the Acura. The CLA also comes with bigger brakes and the option of AWD. It’s clear that, for the performance-minded, the Mercedes-Benz is the obvious choice.
You can get a sunroof on the Integra, but it won’t be a panoramic sunroof, which comes standard on the CLA. Choosing the CLA means that you’ll receive a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen display along with the revolutionary MBUX infotainment system, another advantage for Mercedes-Benz. Lastly, the CLA has a turning diameter that’s a full two feet shorter. And since one of the big appeals of a compact luxury car is that you can get in and out of tight spaces easier, this is a very appealing feature.
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 | VS | 2024 Audi A3 2.0T Premium w/Black Optic Sport Package |
| $43,200 | MSRP | $37,545 |
| 221 HP / 258 LB-FT ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 201 HP / 221 LB-FT |
| Panoramic 1st/2nd Row ✓ | Power Sunroof | 1st Row |
| Standard ✓ | Driver Attention Alert | Not Available |
| Standard, Smart Device ✓ | Remote Start System | Not Available |
| Power 10-Way / Power 10-Way ✓ | Driver/Passenger Seat Adjustments | Power 8-Way/Power 8-Way |
| Standard, MBUX ✓ | Voice-Activated Audio Controls & Air Conditioning | Not Available |
| Driver & Passenger ✓ | Memory Seats | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Blind Spot Monitoring System | Not Available |
| 41.8 inches / 38.5 inches ✓ | Front Legroom / Headroom | 41.2 inches / 36.5 inches |
In our second matchup, we’ll see exactly how the Audi A3 measures up against the Mercedes-Benz CLA. As we saw in the prior matchup, driving enthusiasts who crave maximum performance should choose the CLA over the A3. Across both horsepower and torque measurements, the CLA is the better choice.
Luxurious standard features included on the CLA 250 are a power panoramic sunroof, remote start system, and voice-activated controls via the revolutionary MBUX infotainment system. Each of these great features is not available on any trim level of the Audi A3. While both the driver and front passenger of the CLA enjoy power 10-way adjustable seating options and memory functions, the A3 only offers 8-way adjustability for the front seats. What luxury brand would make you settle for such a basic feature? Certainly not Mercedes-Benz.
Safety is yet another core strength of the Mercedes-Benz CLA thanks to a standard driver attention alert. Yet again, you’ll have to do without this potentially life-saving feature by choosing the Audi A3. Finally, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is more spacious for front-seat occupants thanks to greater headroom and legroom compared to the cramped Audi A3.
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 | VS | 2024 BMW 228i Gran Coupe |
| $43,200 | MSRP | $38,400 |
| 25 / 36 / 29 ✓ | MPG (city/hwy/combined) | 24 / 34 / 28 |
| 63.5 / 63.1 inches ✓ | Front / Rear Track | 61.5 / 61.5 inches |
| 18 inches ✓ | Wheel Size | 17 inches |
| Panoramic 1st/2nd Row ✓ | Power Sunroof | Optional |
| Standard, 4-Way (Driver & Passenger) ✓ | Front Lumbar Support | Optional |
| Driver & Passenger ✓ | Front Seat Memory | Driver |
| Optional ✓ | Ventilated Front Seats | Not Available |
| 41.8 inches / 38.5 inches ✓ | Front Legroom / Headroom | 41.4 inches / 38.2 inches |
Last but certainly not least, the Mercedes-Benz CLA goes up against the rival BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Although the 2 Series Gran Coupe was only just recently introduced, it’s still no match for the CLA. Some of this comes from the Mercedes-Benz offering more and better standard equipment, but also a more robust options list, with things like ventilated seats not even being offered on the BMW. Otherwise, in base trim levels, the CLA delivers far greater fuel efficiency, more engaging handling due to a wider track, and more style thanks to standard 18-inch alloy wheels.
Shifting focus toward the interiors, the CLA comes standard with a power panoramic sunroof that stretches across both the front and rear rows of seating. You’ll have to shell out additional cash in order to receive a sunroof on the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Similarly, both the driver and front passenger will enjoy power 4-way lumbar support and memory functions in order to customize their comfort preferences. BMW owners will either have to pay extra or settle for less. Finally, the CLA offers greater front headroom and legroom compared to the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Now that we’ve counted the results, it’s obvious that the best choice among this group of compact luxury sedans is the Mercedes-Benz CLA. The competition from Acura, Audi, and BMW is simply no match for the premium standard features, performance, efficiency, safety, value, and comfort found across the CLA lineup. Ready to experience all that the CLA has to offer? Our team of product specialists at Mercedes-Benz of Easton is standing by to help you choose the model that’s perfectly suited to your driving preferences.
