2019 Mercedes-Benz A Class Vs 2019 Audi A3 Quick Comparison

2019 Mercedes-Benz A Class Vs 2019 Audi A3 Quick Comparison

Luxury auto makers have an incredible advantage over the others. Their brand power gives them immense flexibility where they can move down-market with far less trouble (if any) than a mainstream automaker attempting to move upstream. This is not a new concept as companies like Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW have fully embraced their power in North America. Europe long ago adopted this ideal and proved it to be fairly lucrative for business. The fear on our side of the Pond was image dilution but that鈥檚 no longer on the radar. In 2019, Mercedes will exploit their all-new entry-level A Class to the maximum. We鈥檝e driven both the sedan and hatchback and it is nothing less than a complete game-changer. The Audi A3, and its various versions, is a well-established nameplate, unlike the 鈥淎鈥? but the latter is a seriously hard hitting, technology packed automobile that may very well reverse the up-sell steam that is currently the norm.

Can the A3 compete with the A Class? Which is more enjoyable to drive? This entire segment serves many purposes. The most obvious is for the lower price-point to draw consumers into showrooms and upsell them into a more expensive lease, um, new car. One of the lesser understood attractions of these cars is truly the drive. For all three aforementioned German luxury brands, their best-driving cars come from their smallest most affordable nameplates. One of the elite is the BMW 2 Series but it did not make the cut here as it is only available as a 2-door coupe. The A3 is the most personally-connected-feeling driving Audi other than the R8. All but the RS 3 get their power from a lovely turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. Regardless of the output, throttle and s tronic 6- or 7-speed automatic transmission response lags somewhat but once underway, the A3 is spritely.

The ride is equal parts comfort and sportiness. Dynamically, the A3 is alive and pleasing when driven hard. The A Class (A 220 or A 250) is also powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with mildly varying outputs. The difference with the A Class over the A3 is that it drives and feels bigger than its outer dimensions suggest. This is a sought after sensation that most will enjoy and while it should trouble a driving enthusiasts such as myself, engineers have done an improbable job blending what Mercedes drivers expect and want. Both cars can be outfitted with efficient AWD systems and can (or will) be outfitted with huge power and performance. If a premium impression is what you crave, the Mercedes will deliver. For spirited driving, it can match the Audi A3. Which is more prestigious? The answer to this question will rely mostly on your personal affinities. Projecting the right image is what ultimately drives us to spend more money on a given product.

Once more, however, few high-end mainstream brands project a more enviable aura as Mercedes does. For many, there鈥檚 a direct correlation with value here as well. The Audi A3 is undeniably an Audi in all respects. It matches the A4 in presence and prestige. The new A Class is more. In fact, it casts a shadow on the current CLA and C Class, redefining the entry-level. Mercedes has poured all of itself into their most affordable car, it shows, and consumers will take notice. Which is more technologically advanced? These gateway cars are squarely aimed at young up-and-comers. The majority of these trendy smartphone-carrying-connected-buzzards expect nothing less than a fully integrated experience in their car. 35,000, offers benchmark connectivity, some of the best graphics I鈥檝e ever see and intelligent learning all of which can be displayed on standard twin-7-inch screens or on optional twin-10.25-inch screens. Benz鈥檚 MBUX or Mercedes-Benz User Experience has become the world鈥檚 most powerful of its kind currently available, it鈥檚 not perfect but it鈥檚 rather impressive.

By contrast, and quite a contrast it is, the A3鈥檚 MMI touch/wheel and 7-inch screen seem less enticing. Functionality is good, on par with Mercedes but points must be awarded for presentation. Audi鈥檚 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit saves the day as its display is crisp with plenty of menus and options. Unfortunately, it鈥檚 not enough to match even the basic A Class鈥?kit. Which would we recommend? This is interesting. We suspect that the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz A Class will be a barn-burner, an absolute hit. It will be a very popular, read commonplace, car - a downside? The Audi A3 was refreshed for the 2017 model so an all-new car is unlikely before 2020. The A3 is far less familiar and will remain as such for a while yet. Driving about unnoticed can be a nice feature, if you ask us. 37,990 for the AWD version. We assume the sedan will be slightly more affordable.