The Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 are two excellent and popular premium hatchbacks, offering upscale interiors, advanced technology and punchy yet efficient engines. While competing in the same sector, there are key differences that may sway buyers one way or the other.
The A-Class has undergone a dramatic transformation over its lifetime, evolving from an oddly-shaped hatchback-MPV into today's sleek and stylish fourth-generation model. Mercedes has worked hard to give the A-Class a truly premium look and feel inside and out, with an interior inspired by larger models in the line-up. The A3, meanwhile, has stuck to a familiar format of essentially being a more upmarket version of the Volkswagen Golf. The latest Mk4 model arrived in 2020 and received a facelift in 2024 to keep it looking fresh.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Audi A3
Practicality
The A-Class offers decent space for four adults, though fitting three in the rear will be a squeeze. Headroom is slightly better in the hatchback than the saloon. At 355 litres, the hatchback's boot is smaller than the A3's 380-litre load bay. The A-Class saloon's 405-litre boot is the largest of all but has a long, shallow shape making it a little less user-friendly.
In contrast, the A3 is more of a five-seater with decent rear space for this class. Its 380-litre boot is a good size and shape, expanding to a useful 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded. Access is better in the five-door A3 than the sloping-roof A-Class hatchback.
Both cars offer a suitably upmarket cabin ambience for the premium badges, although it is the Mercedes that arguably feels better built and more premium. However, the A3's rear headroom just gives it a slight practicality edge over the A-Class, especially in hatchback form.
Driving Impressions
With composed handling and a comfortable ride, the A-Class acquits itself well on the road. The steering is precise and body control is decent through corners, even if the BMW 1 Series has a slight edge for outright driver engagement. Refinement is good at motorway speeds.
The A-Class petrol range kicks off with the 134bhp A180, which needs working hard. We'd recommend the punchier 161bhp A200. Higher up are potent AMG hot hatch versions like the 415bhp A45 S. Diesel options include the A180d, A200d and A220d.
The A3 has a slightly firmer edge to its ride than the Mercedes, though not uncomfortably so. It's composed over bumps and grips tenaciously through bends. As with the Mercedes, the accurate steering doesn't quite match a 1 Series for outright sharpness, but the ride is more comfortable.
Engine choices include the impressively refined 1.5 TFSI and 2.0 TDI units, both available with manual or automatic transmissions. Sporty S3 and RS3 performance versions provide thrilling pace, and are every bit a match for the Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 respectively.
In terms of driving dynamics, there's very little to split these two car, though both trail the BMW 1 Series for outright involvement. Note, that both the A3 and A-Class are available with plug-in hybrid powertrains. Overall our testers just about prefer the A3 as a package from a driving perspective
Technology and Equipment
Both cars come generously equipped, even in base trim. The A-Class' MBUX infotainment system features twin 10.25-inch displays with crisp graphics, though some menus can be fiddly. Since its 2023 facelift all models get the larger screens as standard.
Audi's latest MMI system in the A3 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' digital dials. It's slick and intuitive, while top trims add a larger 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit. Both have smartphone mirroring and advanced voice controls.
The A3 Teknik comes with LED lights, cruise control and parking sensors. Sport adds leather and climate control, while S line brings sporty styling tweaks. Vorsprung versions are lavishly equipped.
Pre-facelift, A-Class SE trim looks spartan next to the well-equipped Sport and AMG Line versions. Post-facelift, Sport Executive is the new entry point with the larger screens as standard.
While the A3's MMI infotainment system has the edge for user-friendliness, both cars offer generous kit tally and cutting-edge onboard technology befitting their premium price tags.
Running Costs
With premium badges and advanced technology, neither the A-Class nor A3 will be cheap to run compared to mainstream hatchbacks. However, there's very little between them for ownership costs.
Official fuel economy figures for the petrol engines sit in the high 40s/low 50s mpg range, with the diesels capable of 55-65mpg. Plug-in hybrid versions promise very low running costs if used as intended (that is, plugged in regularly to make the most of their all-electric range).
Insurance groupings are broadly comparable, as are servicing costs - though fixed-price plans from both brands can help budget for maintenance.
Both will hold their value reasonably well on the used market, depreciating slowly like most premium models. List prices are also similar when comparing like-for-like specifications. Be aware of higher-priced models invoking the luxury car tax surcharge for several years.
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 are both highly covetable premium hatchbacks. There's little to split them in many areas.
The A3 has the edge for interior space and boot capacity, especially in five-door Sportback form. It's also marginally the sharper drive, though the A-Class counters with a smarter interior. Both offer generous equipment levels and cutting-edge infotainment technology.
Ultimately, while the A3 just about has the upper hand overall, the gap between these two is narrow. As such, we'd recommend taking both for a thorough test drive to see which best suits your needs and tastes, and look at a variety of listings to see where you can find the best deal.