@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Tesla, Inc.
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Mercedes CLA Coupe vs Tesla Model 3 – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Mercedes CLA Coupe or Tesla Model 3 fits your lifestyle better.

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

CLA Coupe @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Tesla Model 3 has a barely noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34300 £, while the Mercedes CLA Coupe costs 37100 £. That’s a price difference of around 2825 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the Mercedes CLA Coupe: with 12.20 kWh per 100 km, it’s minimal more efficient than the Tesla Model 3 with 13.20 kWh. That’s a difference of about 1 kWh.

As for range, the Mercedes CLA Coupe performs barely noticeable better – achieving up to 791 km, about 41 km more than the Tesla Model 3.

Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

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 has a slight edge – offering 460 HP compared to 421 HP. That’s roughly 39 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Tesla Model 3 is noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 3.10 s, while the Mercedes CLA Coupe takes 4.10 s. That’s about 1 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes CLA Coupe performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Tesla Model 3 tops out at 262 km/h. The difference is around 8 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Tesla Model 3 pulls distinct stronger with 660 Nm compared to 515 Nm. That’s about 145 Nm difference.

CLA Coupe @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 curb weight, Mercedes CLA Coupe is clearly perceptible lighter – 1505 kg compared to 1822 kg. The difference is around 317 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Tesla Model 3 offers clearly perceptible more room – 594 L compared to 460 L. That’s a difference of about 134 L.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes CLA Coupe clearly perceptible takes the win – 490 kg compared to 333 kg. That’s a difference of about 157 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Tesla Model 3 proves to be shows small but notable strengths and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Tesla Model 3 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £34,300
Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

Tesla Model 3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 283 - 460 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13.2 - 16.7 kWh
  • Electric Range : 550 - 750 km

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.

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Tesla Model 3

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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.

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Mercedes CLA Coupe
Tesla Model 3
CLA Coupe @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
Model 3 @ Tesla, Inc.

Costs and Consumption

Price
37100 - 73700 £
Price
34300 - 50100 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 8.9 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
12.2 - 12.6 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
13.2 - 16.7 kWh
Electric Range
86 - 791 km
Electric Range
550 - 750 km
Battery Capacity
12.9 - 85 kWh
Battery Capacity
64.5 - 83 kWh
co2
0 - 202 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Coupe
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
4
Curb weight
1505 - 2135 kg
Curb weight
1822 - 1929 kg
Trunk capacity
395 - 460 L
Trunk capacity
594 L
Length
4692 - 4723 mm
Length
4720 - 4724 mm
Width
1834 - 1857 mm
Width
1850 mm
Height
1404 - 1468 mm
Height
1431 - 1440 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
440 - 490 kg
Payload
303 - 333 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol, Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
283 - 460 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.1 - 10 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.1 - 6.1 s
Max Speed
205 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
201 - 262 km/h
Torque
230 - 515 Nm
Torque
420 - 660 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
208 - 338 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, D, E, G, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Tesla
What drive types are available for the Mercedes CLA Coupe?

The Mercedes CLA Coupe is available as Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.