When it comes to compact performance cars, each of the three German luxury brands brings its own flavor to the table.
The BMW M is positively sublime.
Offered only as a coupe with turbocharged inline-6 power, it has a front-engine, rear drive layout and returns to the brand’s ultimate driving machine roots.
Opt for the shapely Mercedes-AMG CLA45, and you'll get manic turbocharged 4-cylinder power delivery and a raucous personality.
No other luxury brand can compete, but the Volkswagen Golf R is a virtual hatchback sibling to the S3 sedan.
It has the same engine and comes with all-wheel drive, rides harder and isn’t as refined, but has more useful space.
The Acura ILX is more a competitor for the A3, but it teeters on the line between mainstream and entry luxury.
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 2018 Audi A3Browse Used Listings |  2018 Acura ILXBrowse Used Listings |  2018 BMW 2-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||
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The 2018 Audi S3 is a blast to drive, but it suffers from a tiny rear seat and the Volkswagen Golf R offers the same performance with more room for less. |
The 2018 Acura ILX is an acceptable entry-level luxury car, but a loaded-up mainstream model like the Honda Civic delivers more features and refinements for less money. |
The 2018 BMW 2-Series is a competent coupe with plenty of power—even in base trim. |
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a gorgeous shape in an impressive package. Equally impressive? Its ability to get expensive, even despite being the most affordable sedan in Mercedes' stable. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $31,950 | $28,100 | $34,950 | $32,700 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 19 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Style Name | |||
| 2.0 TFSI Premium FWD | Sedan | 230i Coupe | CLA 250 Coupe |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| Cabriolet | Sedan | Coupe | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||
| Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2018 Audi A3 vs. 2018 Acura ILX | 2018 Audi A3 vs. 2018 BMW 2-Series | 2018 Audi A3 vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class | |
