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- Mercedes CLA vs Tesla Model 3
Mercedes CLA vs Tesla Model 3
The Mercedes-Benz CLA and Tesla Model 3 are compact premium electric sedans. Both target buyers moving from entry luxury ICE cars into EVs. The CLA focuses on efficiency, design, and comfort. The Model 3 centers on software, performance, and a simplified interior.
Range and charging show different strengths. The CLA EV targets up to about 750 km WLTP with a strong efficiency focus. The Model 3 delivers around 513 to 629 km WLTP depending on variant. Charging favors the CLA on paper with an 800V system supporting around 250 kW DC fast charging. The Model 3 uses a 400V system with peak rates near 170–250 kW depending on version, backed by access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Price positioning keeps both in the entry premium bracket. The Model 3 starts lower in most markets, while the CLA EV sits slightly higher due to brand positioning and newer platform tech. The Model 3 has broad global availability. The CLA EV is rolling out gradually across Europe and other regions. This comparison helps you decide between proven software and charging network access or newer efficiency gains with a more traditional luxury approach.
Within Mercedes-Benz, EV options include the EQA, EQB, EQE, and EQS. Within Tesla, the lineup includes the Model Y, Model S, and Model X. Rivals to the CLA EV include the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. The Model 3 also competes with the Polestar 2 and BYD Seal.
The CLA EV offers high efficiency, long projected range, and a refined interior, but it comes with higher expected pricing and limited early availability. The Model 3 delivers strong performance, mature software features, and wide charging access, though cabin materials are simpler and ride quality can feel firm on some trims.
QUICK VERDICT
Pick the CLA EV for efficiency, range, and a more traditional premium cabin. Choose the Model 3 for software, charging network access, and proven real-world use.
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| Price | $45,000.00 $43,000.00 |
| Our Rating | |
| Brand | MERCEDES TESLA |
| Category | Electric Cars Electric Cars |
MODEL
| Full Model Name | Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ / CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology |
| Generation | 1st generation (all-electric CLA) |
| Segment / Class | Compact luxury sedan |
| Available Trims / Variants |
CLA 250+ (RWD), CLA 350 4MATIC (AWD); Shooting Brake estate offered outside the US
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Tesla Model 3 Long Range Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Powertrain Options | Single motor RWD, dual motor AWD |
| Additional Notes | First Mercedes-Benz on the new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) EV platform |
LAUNCH
| Reveal Date |
Late 2025
2023, September 01 - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range 2024, July 11 - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD 2023, September 01 - Tesla Model 3 Long Range 2024, April 23 - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Launch Year | 2026 |
| Availability Status |
On sale in Europe and the US
Available to order. Released 2023, October - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Available to order. Released 2024, July - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Available to order. Released 2023, October - Tesla Model 3 Long Range Available to order. Released 2024, April - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Brand / Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Country of origin | Germany United States |
| Assembly Country | Germany |
| Markets Available | Europe, United States; other regions not yet confirmed |
| Grey Market Import | N/A — sold as a factory global-market model, no import-market framing applies |
| Base Price (USD) |
From €52,900 (Germany); from ~$45,000 (US, before destination fee — ~$47,250 MSRP with destination)
€ 43,000 - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range $ 42,500 - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD $ 47,500 € 52,000 - Tesla Model 3 Long Range $ 53,000 € 58,500 £ 60,000 - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
BATTERY
| Battery Capacity |
58 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 200 85 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 250+ 85 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC 57.3 kWh usable, 60 kWh total -Tesla Model 3 Standard Range 78 kWh total - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD 78 kWh total - Tesla Model 3 Long Range 78 kWh total - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Battery Chemistry |
NMC lithium-ion
Liquid-cooled Li-ion 360V LFP battery - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Liquid-cooled Li-Ion NCM (400V type) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Liquid-cooled Li-Ion NCM (400V type) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range Liquid-cooled Li-ion NCM (400V type) - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Battery Architecture | 800-volt |
| Thermal Management | Multi-stage high-voltage safety system with cell-level monitoring |
| Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) |
CLA 250+ — up to 792 km WLTP / 374 miles EPA. CLA 350 4MATIC — up to 672 km WLTP / 312 miles EPA
272 mi EPA (319 mi WLTP) - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range 436 mi WLTP (363 mi EPA) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD 421 mi WLTP (342 mi EPA) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range 328 mi WLTP (296 mi EPA) - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Energy Consumption |
~267 Wh/mile (250+), ~286 Wh/mile (350 4MATIC), per EPA ratings
212 Wh/mi WLTP - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range 225 Wh/mi WLTP (260 Wh/mi EPA) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range 269 Wh/mi WLTP - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Regen Braking (Max kW) | Up to 200 kW 1 level, no coasting, no regen when pedal braking |
| Heat Pump | |
| AC Charging (Max kW) |
11 kW
Type 2 11 kW, 0-100% in 7 hours 33 min - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Type 2 11 kW, 0-100% in 8 hours 15 min - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Type 2 11 kW, 0-100% in 8 hours 15 min - Tesla Model 3 Long Range Type 2 11 kW - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| DC Charging (Max kW) |
320 kW Supercharger V3 170 kW max -Tesla Model 3 Standard Range CCS 170 kW max Supercharger V3 250 kW max - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD CCS 250 kW max Supercharger V3 250 kW max - Tesla Model 3 Long Range CCS 250 kW max Supercharger V3 250 kW max - Tesla Model 3 Performance CCS 250 kW max |
| Charging Time (10–80%) | ~22 minutes |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 100,000 miles (US figure; may vary by market) |
| Battery Energy Density | New silicon-oxide/graphite anode design, ~20% density improvement over prior Mercedes EV batteries |
| Battery Preheating | Included as part of thermal management system |
| Additional Notes | Early production units lacked a 400V DC converter; factory-fitted converter standard from Spring 2026 |
PERFORMANCE
| Motor Type | Permanently excited synchronous motor(s) |
| Motor Configuration | Rear-only (250+), Front + Rear (350 4MATIC) |
| Front Motor Output (kW / HP) | N/A (250+) / part of combined 260 kW system (350 4MATIC) |
| Rear Motor Output (kW / HP) | 00 kW / 268 hp (250+) |
| Power Output (kW / hp) |
268 hp / 247 lb-ft (250+); 349 hp / 380 lb-ft (350 4MATIC)
RWD 283 hp (208 kW) - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range RWD -Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD AWD 498 hp (366 kW) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD 625 hp (460 kW) - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Peak Power (kW / hp) | 320 kW combined (350 4MATIC) |
| Torque (Nm) |
335 Nm (250+); 515 Nm (350 4MATIC)
450 Nm (332 lb-ft) - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range 493 Nm (364 lb-ft) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range 741 Nm (547 lb-ft) - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| 0–100 km/h / 0-60 mph (seconds) The acceleration numbers are an easy way to compare car performance. We list either time from 0 to 100 km/h or time from 0 to 60mph, depending on which number(s) the manufacturers provide. The lower the acceleration time, the higher performance the car is. |
6.6–6.7 sec (250+); 4.5–4.8 sec (350 4MATIC)
5.8 sec 0-60 mph (6.1 sec 0-62 mph) - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range 4.9 sec 0-60 mph - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD 4.2 sec 0-60 mph (4.4 sec 0-62 mph) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range 2.9 sec 0-60 mph (3.1 sec 0-62 mph) - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Top Speed (km/h / mph) |
130 mph / 209 km/h (electronically limited)
125 mph (201 km/h) - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range 125 mph (201 km/h) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD 125 mph (201 km/h) - Tesla Model 3 Long Range 163 mph (262 km/h) - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Transmission / Drive | Two-speed transmission on rear drive unit; RWD or AWD Single-speed |
| Traction Control Steps | Standard ESC/ABS-integrated system |
| Additional Notes | Uses a new "one-box" brake system combining recuperation and friction braking |
BODY
| Body Style | 4-door sedan; Shooting Brake estate (non-US markets) 4 door sedan, 5 seats |
| Platform / Architecture | MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H mm) | 185.9 x 73.0 x 57.8 in (4723 x 1855 x 1468 mm) 4720 x 1933 x 1441 mm (185.8 x 76.1 x 56.7 in) |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd) | 0.21 Cd 0.219 Cd |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 109.8 in (2790 mm) 2875 mm (113.2 in) |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Kerb Weight (kg) |
EU: 2045 kg unladen, 2500 kg gross - Mercedes CLA 200 EU: 2055 kg unladen, 2510 kg gross - Mercedes CLA 250+ EU: 2135 kg unladen, 2575 kg gross - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC EU: 1765 kg unladen -Tesla Model 3 Standard Range EU: 1822 kg unladen - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD EU: 1828 kg unladen, 2263 kg gross - Tesla Model 3 Long Range EU: 1929 kg unladen, 2271 kg gross - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Suspension (Front / Rear) | Three-link front, multi-link rear; passive dampers standard Front double wishbone-type coil spring, rear multi-link |
| Wheel Size (inches) | R17, R18, R19 R18, R19 |
| Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) |
405 litres (EU spec); 10.3–16.8 cu ft depending on measurement method (US spec)
EU: 682 l - Tesla Model 3 Standard Range EU: 594 l - Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD EU: 594 l - Tesla Model 3 Long Range EU: 594 l - Tesla Model 3 Performance |
| Frunk/Bonnet Capacity (L) | 101 litres (~1.4 cu ft) 88 l |
| Towing Capacity (kg) |
EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1500 kg braked - Mercedes CLA 200 EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1500 kg braked - Mercedes CLA 250+ EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1800 kg braked - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC EU: 1000 kg unbraked |
| Sunroof | fixed glass roof standard |
| Additional Notes | Pop-out door handles use cable-based (non-electronic) release mechanism |
SAFETY
| Airbags (count) | Front, side, curtain (1st/2nd row), knee airbags 8 airbags: front, side, rear, head airbag system, front seats knee airbags |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | Standard |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Standard, tire-specific |
| Child Seat Anchors (ISOFIX / LATCH) | Standard rear child seat anchors |
| 360° Camera / Surround View | Available (PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist) |
| Driver Assistance (ADAS) | MB.DRIVE ASSIST, MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS/PRO (market-dependent) 3 front, 2 side and 3 rear cameras (up to 250m object detection). Automatic Emergency Braking, Dynamic Brake Lights, Lane Assist, Collision Avoidance Assist, Speed Assist, Lane Departure Avoidance, Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control |
| ADAS Features | Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping/Change Assist, Driver Monitoring |
| Autonomous Driving Level | SAE Level 2 (Level 2++ with DRIVE ASSIST PRO where regulatory approval exists — China from 2025, US planned 2026) Autopilot with full Self-Driving capability |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) Safety Updates | Yes |
COMFORT
| Seating Capacity | 5 Heated and ventilated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats |
| Power Seats | Standard front, heated; ventilation and massage available on higher trims |
| Climate Control | Standard; single-zone base, dual-zone available |
| Steering Wheel | Multi-function, partially touch-sensitive controls (physical rocker/roller added for cruise/volume from Spring 2026 production) |
| Roof Type | Panoramic glass sunroof All-glass roof |
| Gear Selector | Column-mounted stalk; no dedicated Park position (uses Neutral + handbrake) |
| Bluetooth / Wi-Fi | Standard |
| Wireless Charging | Available |
| Parking Aids | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera, self parking, remote parking assist Front, side, rear cameras, Parking Assist |
| Additional Notes | No four-wheel or variable-ratio steering; no active/adaptive suspension offered on CLA (available on related MMA models like the GLB) 360˚ acoustic glass |
DISPLAYS
| Centre Screen (inches) | MBUX Superscreen configuration available 15.4" touchscreen |
| Driver's Display (inches) | 10.3" No |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | Available No |
| Rear Passenger Screen | 14-inch passenger display (Superscreen package) |
| Operating System | MB.OS with 4th-generation MBUX |
| Mirror Link / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Supported |
| Voice Control | AI-based MBUX Virtual Assistant (Microsoft/Google-integrated) |
| Additional Notes |
Navigation uses Google Maps data with Electric Intelligence route/charging-stop planning
8" rear passengers touchscreen display |
LIGHTING
| Headlight Type (LED/Matrix/Laser) | LED standard; matrix LED optional |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | LED, illuminated three-pointed star design |
| Adaptive Headlights | Available (LED Intelligent Light System) |
| Additional Notes | 142 illuminated chrome-effect stars integrated into front grille panel; matching illuminated rear light band |
INFOTAINMENT & AUDIO
| Sound System Brand | Burmester (higher trims) |
| Speaker Count | 16 speakers, 850 watts, Dolby Atmos support |
| Navigation System | Standard, Google Maps-based |
| USB Ports (count/type) | Four 100-watt USB-C ports |
| Additional Notes | Zero Layer UI surfaces recently used apps and contextual suggestions |
TECHNOLOGY
| Smartphone App Control | Yes (Mercedes Me app) |
| Keyless Entry / Start | Standard; HANDS-FREE ACCESS and KEYLESS-GO available |
| Remote Parking | Available (Active Parking Assist) |
| Digital Key | Available |
| AI Assistant | MBUX Virtual Assistant |
| Over-the-Air Map Updates | Yes, including ADAS functions |
OWNERSHIP
| Official Dealer Network | Mercedes-Benz dealer network (Europe, US) |
| Import Duty Class | N/A — factory global retail model, not import-classified |
| Grey Market Support | N/A — not applicable to this model's sales structure |
| Resale Value | Not yet established (new model) |
| Roadside Assistance | Standard per regional Mercedes-Benz warranty terms |
| Additional Notes | Pricing and availability in additional global markets not yet announced |
Note
| Data Source | Mercedes-Benz USA, Mercedes-Benz France (official specs/pricing), Edmunds, Autocar, Electrifying, evchargingstations.com (independent testing/reporting) |
| Last Updated | July 2026 |
| Additional Notes |
02 October 2024: Model 3 Standard Range is discontinued in USA 10 January 2024: Initial release price 38,990 USD 01 September 2023: Initial release price 42,990 EUR |
| Disclaimer | We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. |
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Disclaimer Note
Specifications sourced from manufacturer data and may reflect WLTP, CLTC, or EPA test conditions. Import prices in your local are estimates based on grey-market landing costs and exclude duties, clearing fees, and local taxes. Figures are subject to change without notice. Always verify with your local importer before purchase. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct
