Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class: which is better?
Fancy a premium German hatchback but stuck on Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class? This should help you pick.
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The Audi A3 vs. Mercedes C-Class is a widely debated topic among those in the market for a premium hatchback, but that’s a debate that’s rumbled on since these cars came out.
So that begs the questions, what are the differences, and which is better for you?
Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class
Our guide will answer:
Which has the better styling?
Is the Audi A3 or Mercedes A-Class better to drive?
Does the Audi A3 or Mercedes A-Class have better tech?
Is the Audi A3 or Mercedes A-Class more reliable?
What are the Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class dimensions?
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Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class: styling
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Let’s be honest, if you’re after a car in this segment, you’re going to be happy with how it looks – especially if you go for one of the premium picks.
The Audi A3 features a sharper design with more aggressive-looking headlights and angular lines shaping the car.
While the Mercedes A-Class still looks sporty, it has smoother lines and a more approachable face, in fitting with the rest of the brand’s lineup.
While neither car features a bold, ‘out there’ design (à la Peugeot 308), they each have distinctive design elements that set them apart.
For example, the A3 gets its signature LED headlights, and the A-Class has the imposing Mercedes badge on the grille.
Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class: what are they like to drive?
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Get behind the wheel of either car and you’ll notice two things – comfort and great handling. Even in non-hot versions, both these cars are competent and nippy around all types of roads.
Both are available with automatic gearboxes for the smoothest drive, and with a range of hybrid, petrol, and diesel engines to choose from. You’ll definitely be able to get the configuration you like best.
The A3 we’d pick is the 1.5-litre petrol version with 150hp and around 50mpg, making it a perfect all-rounder to drive – not to mention fun to drive on a country road too.
For the A-Class, our favourite setup is an AMG-Line version, which adds sportier styling and driving dynamics without being as fuel-thirsty as the full fat AMG version.
Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class: interior and technology
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Dive into the interior and this is where the main differences begin to show. The Mercedes is the clear winner when it comes to overall quality and tech, but that’s not to say the Audi is barren of features.
Sit in the Merc’s cabin and you instantly feel as though you’re in something costing twice as much, with soft-touch materials, leather and the large MBUX 10.25-inch touchscreen spanning the dashboard.
You’re still getting a premium cabin in the A3 with its large MMI 12.3-inch screen, soft materials and Audi’s signature Virtual Cockpit driver’s display, but if we’re going for the ultimate luxury feel, the Merc just takes the cake.
Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class: boot space and practicality
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Each car is available as a saloon or hatchback so there’s a body shape to suit you either way.
The A3 saloon gets a 425-litre boot, whereas its hatchback alternative gets 380 litres. Both have plenty of space for most people.
Fold down the rear seats and this grows to 1,200 litres for the hatchback, the saloon doesn’t get folding seats.
The A-Class hatchback has a 370-litre boot and its saloon version gets 420 litres, expanding to 1,195 litres and 1,210 litres when the rear seats are folded (which can be done in both versions).
For the Mercedes, it’s pretty much down to which style you prefer the look of – the hatchback has a taller loading area and has historically been the better-seller.
Overall practicality in both cars is solid. They’re competitors in the same class, so they have to be close, right? This means it’s purely down to personal preference.
Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class: safety and reliability
There’s not really such a thing as an unreliable and unsafe car anymore. Cars are just far better than they used to be, and Mercedes and Audi are both famed for their quality.
Both cars scored a full five stars following their most recent (2020 for the A3 and 2018 for the A-Class) Euro NCAP safety tests, putting them at the top of the pile of safe hatchbacks.
As for reliability, they’re on a par with each other – both getting three-year warranties when new which can be passed on to subsequent owners.
Both Audi and Mercedes take great pride in their car’s build quality, so you can expect both cars to offer sturdy designs and well-built engines.
Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class: size and dimensions
2024 Audi A3 Sportback
Length: 4352mm
Width: 1816mm
Height: 1441mm
Boot space: 380 litres
2024 Mercedes A-Class hatchback
Length: 4419mm
Width: 1796mm
Height: 1440mm
Boot space: 370 litres
Verdict: Audi A3 vs. Mercedes A-Class: which should you buy?
If you’re still not sure which premium hatchback is best for you, perhaps our quick summary will help guide you in the right direction.
You should buy a used Audi A3 if...
A sporty ride is important to you
You want slightly more boot space
Audi’s Virtual Cockpit wins you over
You should buy a used Mercedes A-Class if...
You’re after a more premium interior
You’re fond of the Mercedes badge prestige
Comfort is at the top of your list
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