Audi RS 3 vs Mercedes-Benz CLS 400

Audi RS 3

Sedan · Gasoline · AWD

Mercedes-Benz CLS 400

Sedan · Gasoline · FWD

Car A

Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 pairs very high performance (0–100 km/h in 3.8 s, 290 km/h) with all-wheel-drive traction in a five-seat compact. It’s good value in its segment for speed-focused buyers who still need year-round usability, but efficiency and cargo space are clear trade-offs.

5 seatsSedanGasoline5-star safety400 hpAWD

Car B

Mercedes-Benz CLS 400

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 blends strong V6 performance with space and comfort for long trips, backed by a 520‑liter trunk and five seats. Its premium pricing and FWD layout make it less compelling for cargo-heavy use or harsh-winter regions that favor AWD.

5 seatsSedanGasoline5-star safety8.4 L/100km

Why compared cross brandsame body typesame powertrainsame seatssimilar price

Usage fit

Family 55 / 54

City 41 / 31

Budget / value 47 / 32

Road trip 52 / 63

Performance 44 / 35

Cargo 15 / 29

Practical 34 / 31

Premium 56 / 62

Winter 66 / 30

Scores out of 100. Blue = Audi RS 3 · Orange = Mercedes-Benz CLS 400

Specs side-by-side

Spec Audi RS 3 Mercedes-Benz CLS 400

Values are representative — confirm for your market and trim.

Pros & cons

Audi RS 3

Serious pace: 400 hp, 480 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 3.8 s.
AWD traction supports confident winter and wet-weather driving.
Seats five, making it viable as a family compact.
Good value in its segment for the performance on offer.
Small trunk (282 L) limits cargo for trips or strollers.
Combined consumption of 10.5 L/100 km is thirsty for daily commuting.
Higher price than non-performance compacts.
No hybrid or EV option for improved efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 400

Strong V6 performance makes highway passing easy
520‑liter trunk and five seats support road trips and growing families
Efficient for its class at 8.4 L/100 km combined
Ranks well for safety in its class
Premium price point for its segment
Front-wheel drive may not satisfy buyers who want AWD for severe winters
Not ideal for cargo-heavy use
Gasoline-only powertrain with no hybrid or EV option

Verdict

Pick Audi RS 3 if…

Lower entry price

Audi RS 3 starts lower, making it the stronger value pick if budget is a priority.

Pick Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 if…

Performance & capability

Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 is the choice if you want more power, speed, or all-weather capability.

Usage fit

Specs side-by-side

Pros & cons

Audi RS 3

Mercedes-Benz CLS 400

Verdict

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