USA EV Comparison: Mercedes CLA 250+ vs Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD
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General Info
The Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) is announced, but not yet in production. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2024-2025) has been discontinued. You can find it for as low as $35000 on the used car market.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Sedan.
| Property | Mercedes CLA 250+ | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2025-… | 2024-2025 |
| Current Status | Announced | Discontinued |
| Country of Manufacture | Hungary | China, USA |
| Body Style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Market Availability | EU, USA | EU, USA |
| Price USA (New) | $55000 | - Price USA (New) |
| Price USA (Used) | - Price USA (Used) | $35000 |
| GCC Score | 7.4 | 7 |
Range and Efficiency
While the Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) offers a longer real-world range and a bigger battery, it is less energy-efficient than the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2024-2025).
| Property | Mercedes CLA 250+ | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 431 mi | 363 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 492 mi | 436 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 405 mi | 358 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 90 kWh | 78.1 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 85 kWh | 75 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 21 kWh/100 mi | 20.9 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.76 mi/kWh | 4.77 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 10 | 10 |
Charging
The Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) features an advanced 800-volt architecture, whereas the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2024-2025) relies on a standard 400-volt system.
The Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) offers faster charging speeds at DC stations, reaching up to 320 kW, while the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2024-2025) maxes out at 250 kW.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2024-2025) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11.5 kW, whereas the Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) is limited to 11 kW.
| Property | Mercedes CLA 250+ | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 11 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 320 kW | 250 kW |
| Architecture | 800 V | 400 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 1 Tesla (NACS) | Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 8.3 | 7.2 |
Performance
Both vehicles are rear-wheel drive.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2024-2025) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Mercedes CLA 250+ | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | RWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 200 kW | 250 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 268 hp | 335 hp |
| Motor Torque | 247 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 6.6 s | 4.9 s |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 125 mph |
| Performance Score | 4.4 | 5.1 |
Dimensions
The Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) and Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2024-2025) are about the same size.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2024-2025) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Mercedes CLA 250+ | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.9 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 79.6 in | 82.2 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 73 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 57.8 in | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 113.2 in |
Cargo and Towing
Both models feature a convenient frunk (front trunk), providing additional storage space.
The Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) has a towing capacity of up to 3307 lb, whereas the Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD (2024-2025) is not officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Mercedes CLA 250+ | Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 4530 lb | 3891 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 14.3 ft3 | 21 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | - Cargo Volume (Max) | 34.5 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 3.6 ft3 | 3.1 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | 3307 lb | - Towing Capacity |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.2 | 5.1 |
