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Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Tesla Model 3
Two saloon cars at similar prices. Here is how the cheapest version of each compares, using the same October 2026 data. The better figure in each row is highlighted; it is not a recommendation.
The main differences
- The Tesla Model 3 is £1,160 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz CLA (£37,990 against £39,150).
- The Tesla Model 3 goes further: about 275 miles against 245 in typical real-world driving.
- The Mercedes-Benz CLA charges faster from 10% to 80%: about 21 minutes against 24.
- The Tesla Model 3 is more efficient (4.6 against 4.2 miles per kWh), so it costs less to charge per mile.
- The Tesla Model 3 has the bigger boot: 682 litres against 506.
Side by side
| Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 saloon | Tesla Model 3 RWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Guide price (from) | £39,150 | £37,990 |
| Real-world range | 245 mi | 275 mi |
| Official WLTP range | 337 mi | – |
| Cold motorway range | 180 mi | – |
| Efficiency | 4.2 mi/kWh | 4.6 mi/kWh |
| Usable battery | 58 kWh | 60 kWh |
| Rapid charging (peak) | up to 200 kW | up to 175 kW |
| 10–80% charge | 21 min | 24 min |
| AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Boot | 506 L | 682 L |
| Towing (braked) | 1,500 kg | 1,000 kg |
| Length | 4,723 mm | 4,720 mm |
| 0–62 mph | 7.5 s | 6.2 s |
| Heat pump | Standard | Standard |
| V2L | No | No |
| Electric Car Grant | Not listed | Not listed |
| Brand warranty | Check | 4 years |
Cheapest version of each model in our list: Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 saloon and Tesla Model 3 RWD. Figures from EV Database UK and published UK sources, October 2026. Confirm prices and specifications with the seller.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, the Mercedes-Benz CLA or the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is £1,160 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz CLA (£37,990 against £39,150).
Which has the longer range, the Mercedes-Benz CLA or the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 goes further: about 275 miles against 245 in typical real-world driving.
More on each car
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