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Audi A3 Sportback vs Mercedes S-Class comparison

Compare performance (400 HP vs 635 HP), boot space and price (27,000 £ vs 104,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Mercedes S-Class?

Audi A3 Sportback vs Mercedes S-Class: Key differences

Audi A3 Sportback

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • slightly more electric range
  • marginally quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly lighter
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Mercedes S-Class

  • clearly more power
  • clearly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A3 Sportback

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Audi A3 Sportback is significantly cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the Mercedes S-Class costs 104,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 77,019 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A3 Sportback uses 1.1 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes S-Class with 2.2 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Audi A3 Sportback offers slightly more range – reaching up to 141 km, about 23 km more than the Mercedes S-Class.

S-Class

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes S-Class offers clearly more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 400 HP. That’s roughly 235 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is marginally quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Mercedes S-Class takes 4 s. That’s about 0.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes S-Class delivers significantly more torque with 850 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 350 Nm more.

A3 Sportback

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is clearly lighter – 1,360 kg compared to 2,165 kg. The difference is around 805 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes S-Class offers clearly more boot space – 530 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 150 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes S-Class carries markedly more – 660 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 180 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A3 Sportback stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £27,000
A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
  • Electric Range 134 - 141 km
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Frequently compared as well

Audi A3 Sportback
VW T-Roc
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Mercedes S-Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

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Reviews Audi A3 Sportback

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate

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Mercedes S-Class

The Mercedes S-Class wraps peerless comfort, whisper-quiet luxury and subtle tech wizardry into a chauffeur-ready package that still knows how to engage the driver. It’s the car for buyers who want to arrive relaxed, be taken seriously and occasionally enjoy a grin when the road reminds them this limousine can dance.

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Reviews Mercedes S-Class

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Frequently compared as well

Audi A3 Sportback
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Audi A3 Sportback
CUPRA Formentor
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The Audi A3 Sportback and CUPRA Formentor are two popular choices in the compact premium segment, with the A3 emphasising refined, practical hatchback packaging and the Formentor leaning into sporty styling and sharper driving dynamics. This comparison will weigh their space, performance, …
Audi A3 Sportback
Ford Puma
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Audi A4 Avant
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BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
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Audi A3 Sportback
Audi Q2
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Audi A3 Sportback
Audi Q3
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In a head-to-head comparison, the Audi A3 Sportback offers a more nimble and dynamic driving experience, perfect for urban environments and those who value agility. Meanwhile, the Audi Q3 stands out with its elevated ride height and spacious interior, catering to families and adventure seekers …
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Mazda CX-30
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In a head-to-head comparison, the Audi A3 Sportback impresses with its sleek design and premium interior, offering a refined driving experience that appeals to those seeking luxury in a compact format. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-30 stands out with its sporty handling and standout styling, providing a …
Audi A3 Sportback
Mercedes S-Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
27,000 - 92,900 £
Price
104,000 - 201,400 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 11 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
98 - 118 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
50 - 252 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
Curb weight
2,165 - 2,650 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
345 - 530 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
Width
1,921 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
420 - 660 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
336 - 635 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 5.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
560 - 850 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
247 - 467 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.