USA EV Comparison: Tesla Model 3 RWD vs Mercedes CLA 250+
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General Info
While the Tesla Model 3 RWD (2025-…) is currently produced, it is not offered for sale in the United States. The Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) is announced, but not yet in production.
The two vehicles share the same body style: Sedan.
| Property | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Mercedes CLA 250+ |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Production | 2025-… | 2025-… |
| Current Status | Produced | Announced |
| Country of Manufacture | China, USA | Hungary |
| Body Style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Market Availability | EU | EU, USA |
| Price USA (New) | - Price USA (New) | $55000 |
| GCC Score | 6.4 | 7.4 |
Range and Efficiency
The Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) boasts a greater real-world range, a larger battery, and superior energy efficiency compared to the Tesla Model 3 RWD (2025-…).
| Property | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Mercedes CLA 250+ |
|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | - Range (EPA) | 431 mi |
| Range (WLTP) | 323 mi | 492 mi |
| Range (GCC) | 275 mi | 405 mi |
| Battery Capacity (Nominal) | 64 kWh | 90 kWh |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 60.5 kWh | 85 kWh |
| Efficiency per 100 mi | 22 kWh/100 mi | 21 kWh/100 mi |
| Efficiency per kWh | 4.55 mi/kWh | 4.76 mi/kWh |
| Range and Efficiency Score | 8.6 | 10 |
Charging
The Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) features an advanced 800-volt architecture, whereas the Tesla Model 3 RWD (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 RWD (2025-…) maxes out at 175 kW.
The Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) features a more powerful on-board charger, supporting a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW, whereas the Tesla Model 3 RWD (2025-…) is limited to 7.7 kW.
| Property | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Mercedes CLA 250+ |
|---|---|---|
| Max Charging Power (AC) | 7.7 kW | 11 kW |
| Max Charging Power (DC) | 175 kW | 320 kW |
| Architecture | 400 V | 800 V |
| Charge Port | CCS Type 2 (Tesla) | CCS Type 1 Tesla (NACS) |
| Charging Score | 5.8 | 8.3 |
Performance
Both vehicles are rear-wheel drive.
The Tesla Model 3 RWD (2025-…) boasts greater motor power and accelerates faster from 0 to 60 mph.
| Property | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Mercedes CLA 250+ |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | RWD | RWD |
| Motor Type | PMSM | PMSM |
| Motor Power (kW) | 208 kW | 200 kW |
| Motor Power (hp) | 279 hp | 268 hp |
| Motor Torque | 310 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 s | 6.6 s |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 130 mph |
| Performance Score | 4.7 | 4.4 |
Dimensions
The Tesla Model 3 RWD (2025-…) and Mercedes CLA 250+ (2025-...) are about the same size.
The Tesla Model 3 RWD (2025-…) boasts a more extended wheelbase.
| Property | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Mercedes CLA 250+ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.9 in |
| Width (with Mirrors) | 82.2 in | 79.6 in |
| Width (w/o Mirrors) | 72.8 in | 73 in |
| Height | 56.7 in | 57.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.2 in | 109.8 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 RWD (2025-…) is not officially rated for towing in the US.
| Property | Tesla Model 3 RWD | Mercedes CLA 250+ |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 4047 lb | 4530 lb |
| Cargo Volume (Trunk) | 21 ft3 | 14.3 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) | 34.5 ft3 | - Cargo Volume (Max) |
| Cargo Volume (Frunk) | 3.1 ft3 | 3.6 ft3 |
| Towing Capacity | - Towing Capacity | 3307 lb |
| Cargo and Towing Score | 5.1 | 5.2 |
