NEW Tesla Model 3 vs Mercedes CLA vs MG IM5 review!
Electric vehicles (EVs) are now firmly in the mainstream, and if you’re in the market for a stylish, tech-rich, practical electric saloon/hatchback, you’ll likely have landed on models like the Tesla Model 3, Mercedes CLA, and MG IM5. Each brings its own flavour of driving experience, brand heritage, design DNA and value proposition. In this post, we’ll pit them against each other to see how they stack up in 2025.
Tesla Model 3 – The benchmark
The Tesla Model 3 has long been the go-to EV in its class. With its minimalist interior, strong electric range, widespread charging infrastructure and strong brand recognition, it has carved out a dominant position.What’s great
- Range and efficiency: Tesla has been leading in efficiency, which means more miles per kWh and less energy cost per kilometre.
- Charging network and ecosystem: The Tesla Supercharger network (in regions where available) gives a real advantage, though you should check local infrastructure in Hungary and Europe.
- Driving dynamics and performance: The Model 3 offers strong acceleration and sporty feel in its segment.
What to keep in mind
- Ride comfort can be less refined than some premium rivals; one review found the Mercedes CLA felt more refined on road.
- Practical compromises: While the Model 3 is spacious, some rivals offer different body styles (e.g., hatchback vs saloon) with more practical boot openings.
- Price and value: Tesla’s brand comes at a premium, and you’ll want to check local pricing, incentives, tax breaks in Hungary/EU to see real value.
Mercedes CLA Electric – The premium alternative
Mercedes steps into the EV ring with the CLA Electric, a model that aims to combine premium brand appeal, comfort, smart tech and respectable performance. According to one test, it achieved excellent efficiency and ride quality.
Highlights
- Ride quality & refinement: The CLA felt “superbly engineered,” with a level of comfort often found in larger cars.
- Advanced architecture: It offers an 800-volt charging architecture and tech features to match.
- Premium feel: For buyers seeking the luxury badge, Mercedes brings brand weight, design quality and comfort.
Things to check
- Practicality: Some compromises in boot space/opening and rear seat room compared to others.
- Price vs value: With premium branding comes higher cost; you’ll want to check how much of the extra you’re paying for name rather than essentials.
- Charging infrastructure & efficiency: While the architecture is capable, you’ll still rely on local fast-charging networks and real-world efficiency.
MG IM5 – The challenger
The MG IM5 has been positioned as a direct rival to the Model 3. Reviewers say it matches or even beats Tesla in certain respects such as space and kit, while undercutting in price.
Strengths
- Value proposition: The IM5 gives strong range figures (one review claimed up to 441 miles in ideal conditions) and abundant tech for the price.
- Practical hatchback design: The IM5 is a five-door hatch, which in real-world use can be more versatile than a pure saloon design.
- Kit and quality: Reviewers found the IM5 to have very good build quality, lots of equipment and competitive performance.
Considerations
- Brand and support: MG’s support, dealer network and resale value may not match Tesla or Mercedes in every market check Hungary/Europe specifics.
- Ride comfort and refinement: Some reviewers noted the ride could be a bit firm; and the user interface/infotainment had some quirks.
- Real-world vs quoted range: As always with EVs, quoted maximum figures assume optimal conditions expect somewhat lower in mixed real-world driving.
Head-to-Head: Which one should you pick?
Let’s break it down by key criteria:
1. Range & charging
- Tesla Model 3: Excellent efficiency and range; mature ecosystem.
- Mercedes CLA: Very good tech including 800 V architecture, competitive range.
- MG IM5: Impressive quoted range and charging capabilities; great value.
Winner: If raw numbers and value matter, MG IM5 looks very compelling; if network and ecosystem matter, Tesla edges ahead; if comfort and premium brand matter, Mercedes takes the lead.
2. Practicality and everyday use
- Tesla: Saloon form factor, good but some compromises in access/boot.
- Mercedes: Premium saloon, may sacrifice some practicality for style.
- MG: Hatchback layout, strong boot opening, good versatility.
Winner: For versatility, MG IM5 gets the nod; for brand and comfort, Mercedes; for overall all-round, Tesla.
3. Driving feel & comfort
- Tesla: Sporty, good dynamics, but maybe less soft than a luxury competitor.
- Mercedes: Smooth, refined ride, premium feel.
- MG: Good drive and tech, but some trade-offs in ride comfort.
Winner: Mercedes leads if comfort is priority; Tesla is best for sporty feel; MG is excellent value but slightly behind in refinement.
4. Value & cost of ownership
- Tesla: Strong brand, good resale, but higher cost.
- Mercedes: Premium brand implies premium price.
- MG: Strong value, aggressive pricing, good kit.
Winner: MG IM5 takes the value crown; Tesla and Mercedes serve different segments.
5. Brand & network
- Tesla: Strong branding, extensive charging network in many markets.
- Mercedes: Brand power, trusted dealer/support network.
Winner: Tesla or Mercedes depending on region; MG only if you verify local support/infrastructure.
My verdict
If I had to pick one for me, here’s how I’d decide:
- If I were in Hungary (Érd, Pest County) and charging infrastructure in my area is well-covered, and I value brand, comfort and premium feel, I’d lean Mercedes CLA Electric.
- If I value efficient, proven, sporty EV with great network and strong resale, I’d go Tesla Model 3.
- If I’m budget-conscious, want maximum value, lots of features, strong range for the money, and am comfortable verifying support in my region, I'd pick MG IM5.
Some tips before you buy
- Check actual local charging infrastructure: fast-chargers (100 kW+), 400-/800-volt support, proximity in rural/urban Hungary.
- Test drive each: ride comfort and driving feel differ more than you might expect with EVs.
- Investigate warranty, battery guarantee, service network locally (especially for newer brands like MG).
- Look at real-world range in your driving conditions (cold weather, highway speeds) quoted numbers are optimistic.
- Consider resale value/trade-in, especially in a changing EV market.
Closing thoughts
In the rapidly evolving EV world, the Tesla Model 3 remains the benchmark, the Mercedes CLA Electric brings premium luxury credentials, and the MG IM5 offers tremendous value and real competition. Whichever you go for, you’re considering a smart, modern EV option and that’s exciting.
If you like, I can pull up detailed spec sheets for each model (range, battery size, charging times, Hungarian pricing) so you can compare them side-by-side. Would that be helpful?