VS

Mercedes CLA Coupe vs Tesla Model 3 comparison

Compare performance (354 HP vs 460 HP), boot space and price (39,600 £ vs 31,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes CLA Coupe or Tesla Model 3?

Mercedes CLA Coupe vs Tesla Model 3: Key differences

Mercedes CLA Coupe

4.8 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally more efficient
  • barely more electric range
  • only slightly lighter
details

Tesla Model 3

4.2 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

CLA Coupe

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Tesla Model 3 is noticeably cheaper – starting at 31,700 £ , while the Mercedes CLA Coupe costs 39,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,931 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Mercedes CLA Coupe is marginally more efficient: consuming 12.2 kWh/100km compared to 13 kWh/100km for the Tesla Model 3. That’s a difference of about 0.8 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes CLA Coupe offers barely more range – reaching up to 791 km, about 41 km more than the Tesla Model 3.

Model 3

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 Tesla Model 3 offers clearly more power – delivering 460 HP compared to 354 HP. That’s roughly 106 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.1 s, while the Mercedes CLA Coupe takes 4.9 s. That’s about 1.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Tesla Model 3 delivers clearly more torque with 660 Nm compared to 515 Nm. That’s about 145 Nm more.

CLA Coupe

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes CLA Coupe is only slightly lighter – 1,695 kg compared to 1,772 kg. The difference is around 77 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers markedly more boot space – 594 L compared to 405 L. That’s a difference of about 189 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes CLA Coupe carries slightly more – 455 kg compared to 377 kg. That’s a difference of about 78 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Tesla Model 3 is clearly superior overall 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 £31,700
Model 3

Tesla Model 3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 283 - 460 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13 - 16.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 534 - 750 km
Mercedes CLA Coupe
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mercedes CLA Coupe

The Mercedes CLA Coupe cuts a rakish silhouette that blends sporty coupe lines with everyday practicality, giving style-minded buyers a premium image without shouting. Inside it feels more luxurious than its size suggests, with a slick cabin, intuitive tech and a composed ride — the kind of car that parties in the city and still shows up polished on Sunday morning.

details

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 slices through daily commuting with a silent, confident shove that makes petrolheads reassess their life choices, while its minimalist cabin feels more like a slick gadget gallery than a traditional car interior. For buyers after a fuss-free, tech-forward electric with plenty of grin factor and low running drama, it’s hard to beat—just don't be surprised when the car updates itself overnight.

details
Mercedes CLA Coupe
Tesla Model 3

Costs and Consumption

Price
39,600 - 59,300 £
Price
31,700 - 50,100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
12.2 - 12.6 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
13 - 16.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
542 - 791 km
Electric Range
534 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 120 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Coupe
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,695 - 2,135 kg
Curb weight
1,772 - 1,929 kg
Trunk capacity
405 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,855 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
430 - 455 kg
Payload
303 - 377 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
156 - 354 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 8.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
280 - 515 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
115 - 260 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Tesla
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.