Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Audi RS e-tron GT
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz CLA | Audi RS e-tron GT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 268 | 646 | -58.5% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 350 | 830 | -57.8% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 12.2 | 20.2 | -39.6% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $59,400 | $153,900 | -61.4% |
- Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 59% more power (646 vs 268 hp).
- Mercedes-Benz CLA is the more efficient EV, using 12.2 kWh/100km against 20.2.
Verdict: CLA or RS e-tron GT?
Mercedes-Benz CLA advantages
- Energy efficiency (+40%)
- Affordability (+61%)
Audi RS e-tron GT advantages
- Engine power (+59%)
- Pulling torque (+58%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
- Choose the Audi RS e-tron GT if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
Mercedes-Benz CLA delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Audi RS e-tron GT: which should you choose?
Mercedes-Benz CLA (2026 CLA 250+ Electric) — electric sedan with 268 hp and 350 Nm, rated at 12.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $59,400 in the Germany market.
Audi RS e-tron GT (2024 RS e-tron GT quattro) — electric sedan with 646 hp and 830 Nm, rated at 20.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $153,900 in the Germany market.
Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Audi RS e-tron GT: Audi RS e-tron GT is more powerful. Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 59% more power (646 vs 268 hp). Mercedes-Benz CLA is the more efficient EV, using 12.2 kWh/100km against 20.2.
Performance
The Audi RS e-tron GT is the more powerful, at 646 hp against 268 hp, with 830 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the more efficient EV, drawing 12.2 kWh/100km against 20.2 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Mercedes-Benz CLA is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and Audi RS e-tron GT 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Mercedes-Benz CLA lists lower at about $59,400 (USD-converted from the Germany market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA better than the Audi RS e-tron GT?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 59% more power (646 vs 268 hp).
What is the main difference between the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Audi RS e-tron GT?
Audi RS e-tron GT makes about 59% more power (646 vs 268 hp). Mercedes-Benz CLA is the more efficient EV, using 12.2 kWh/100km against 20.2.
Which is better value?
Mercedes-Benz CLA delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if you want the lowest charging costs per km. Choose the Audi RS e-tron GT if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.