Audi S3 Saloon vs Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

Fast four-door saloons have been a staple of Audi’s model line-up for decades, but this is the first time the A3 has been given the trademark go-faster treatment.

By packaging a muscular 296bhp turbocharged engine and quattro all-wheel-drive system into the handsome A3 Saloon body, Audi has created the S3 Saloon – a car that aims to blend scorching performance and agile handling with sharp-suited style and plenty of premium kerb appeal. Andat around £33,000, it looks like decent value, too.

However, Audi isn’t the only German brand that offers a hot version of its smallest saloon, because Mercedes has treated its sleek CLA to a muscular makeover courtesy of in-house tuning division AMG.

Featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that boasts a dizzying 355bhp, as well as the company’s grippy 4MATIC all-wheel-drive transmission, the CLA 45 has all the right ingredients to take the fight to its S3 Saloon rival.

• Audi S3 Saloon review

• Mercedes CLA 45 AMG review

This exotic specification comes at a price, though, because the Mercedes will set you back by almost a hefty £42,000. So which of our heavy-hitting duo will land the knock-out punch in this encounter?

Click the links above to read each review, then read on for our verdict.

Head-to-head

Practicality 

On paper, there’s little to separate the Audi S3 Saloon and Mercedes CLA 45 AMG for versatility. The Mercedes’ 470-litre luggage space is 80 litres larger than the Audi’s, but the S3 offers more head and legroom for rear passengers. 

Used - available now

2024 Cupra

Formentor

22,664 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £22,387

View Formentor

2020 Toyota

GR Yaris

14,494 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £30,563

View GR Yaris

2022 Fiat

500

8,538 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,387

View 500

2022 Citroen

C4

32,555 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £12,787

View C4

The CLA is hampered by its high-backed front seats and narrow side windows, which create a claustrophobic feel for those  in the back. A sloping roofline and narrow door openings also make for tricky access to the rear bench.

Styling

Many buyers will put up with the compromised practicality to get such a bold design. While the subtle Audi looks every inch the traditional three-box saloon, the CLA apes sleek and stylish coupés. The blend of A-Class hatchback nose and rakish rear end is a little awkward, but it catches the eye. 

Verdict

1st place: Audi S3 Saloon

The Audi S3 Saloon is fast, composed and agile, plus it has a classy cabin and decent practicality. Better still, it can switch from sports saloon to cosseting compact exec at the flick of a switch. Factor in the £10,000 saving over the Merc, and the Audi is a worthy winner.

2nd place: Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

When it comes to style and excitement, the rakish and raucous Mercedes CLA has the upper hand over the Audi S3. It’s also blisteringly quick and has incredibly sure-footed handling. Yet it’s not as comfortable as the Audi, while the hefty price tag and running costs are hard to ignore.

Figures