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Mercedes A250e vs. Audi A3: A Detailed Comparison
The Mercedes A250e and Audi A3 are two prominent models in the premium compact segment, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Mercedes A250e is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), while the Audi A3 comes with various engine options, primarily petrol and diesel.
1. Price
Mercedes A250e (PHEV)
Starting price: Around $40,000 (USD) depending on the market and trim.
Plug-in hybrids often qualify for tax incentives and subsidies, which can reduce the effective price.
Audi A3 (Petrol/Diesel)
Starting price: Around $34,000 (USD) for the base petrol model.
Higher trims (e.g., S3 or higher-powered versions) can go up to $50,000 or more.
2. Range
Mercedes A250e (PHEV)
Electric Range: Up to 44 miles (71 km) on a full charge.
Total Range (hybrid mode): Over 400 miles when combined with the gasoline engine.
Audi A3
Fuel Range: Depending on the engine choice, around 400-450 miles per tank (petrol or diesel).
The Audi A3 does not have a plug-in hybrid option, though some markets have the Audi A3 TFSIe (PHEV).
3. Engine
Mercedes A250e
Powertrain: 1.33L turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor.
Total Output: 215 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD).
Audi A3
Engine Options: Various, including 1.0L to 2.0L turbocharged petrol engines, and diesel options in some regions.
Power Output: 148 to 306 horsepower, depending on the engine.
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic (dual-clutch).
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive or Quattro (all-wheel drive) depending on the trim.
4. Size
Mercedes A250e
Length: 4,419 mm (174 inches)
Width: 1,796 mm (71 inches)
Height: 1,440 mm (56.7 inches)
Trunk Space: 310 liters (due to the battery size, reduced from non-hybrid models).
Audi A3
Length: 4,343 mm (171 inches)
Width: 1,816 mm (71.5 inches)
Height: 1,425 mm (56.1 inches)
Trunk Space: 380 liters (for non-hybrid versions).
5. Typical Defects and Issues
Mercedes A250e
Some common issues reported by owners include:
Battery and charging problems (software-related).
The transition between electric and gasoline power can be jerky at times.
Interior fit and finish issues, such as rattling or loose panels.
Audi A3
Common issues reported:
Infotainment system glitches.
Engine-related problems (particularly in older diesel models) such as turbo or fuel injector issues.
Electrical issues (e.g., with the start-stop system).
Occasional DSG (dual-clutch gearbox) problems.
6. Annual Maintenance Costs
Mercedes A250e
The plug-in hybrid system may increase maintenance complexity slightly, especially for the electric components.
Estimated Annual Cost: Around $500-$700, depending on service intervals and region.
Battery-related services or replacements (in the long term) could add extra costs, although warranties usually cover this.
Audi A3
Generally straightforward maintenance for the petrol or diesel models.
Estimated Annual Cost: Around $400-$600.
Higher performance models (like the S3) may have higher maintenance costs.
Conclusion
Mercedes A250e: If you want the ability to drive short distances in electric mode and qualify for eco-incentives, the A250e offers a well-rounded, high-tech hybrid experience. It's ideal for those who do short city commutes.
Audi A3: For traditional petrol or diesel engines, the A3 offers a more dynamic range of choices, from efficient to sporty trims. Its interior quality and long-term reliability tend to be solid, though it lacks the hybrid option (in most markets).
If you're looking for electrified driving, the Mercedes A250e wins out, but for more traditional luxury driving with petrol or diesel engines, the Audi A3 is a compelling option.
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The Mercedes A250e and Audi A3 are two prominent models in the premium compact segment, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Mercedes A250e is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), while the Audi A3 comes with various engine options, primarily petrol and diesel.
1. Price
Mercedes A250e (PHEV)
Starting price: Around $40,000 (USD) depending on the market and trim.
Plug-in hybrids often qualify for tax incentives and subsidies, which can reduce the effective price.
Audi A3 (Petrol/Diesel)
Starting price: Around $34,000 (USD) for the base petrol model.
Higher trims (e.g., S3 or higher-powered versions) can go up to $50,000 or more.
2. Range
Mercedes A250e (PHEV)
Electric Range: Up to 44 miles (71 km) on a full charge.
Total Range (hybrid mode): Over 400 miles when combined with the gasoline engine.
Audi A3
Fuel Range: Depending on the engine choice, around 400-450 miles per tank (petrol or diesel).
The Audi A3 does not have a plug-in hybrid option, though some markets have the Audi A3 TFSIe (PHEV).
3. Engine
Mercedes A250e
Powertrain: 1.33L turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor.
Total Output: 215 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD).
Audi A3
Engine Options: Various, including 1.0L to 2.0L turbocharged petrol engines, and diesel options in some regions.
Power Output: 148 to 306 horsepower, depending on the engine.
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic (dual-clutch).
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive or Quattro (all-wheel drive) depending on the trim.
4. Size
Mercedes A250e
Length: 4,419 mm (174 inches)
Width: 1,796 mm (71 inches)
Height: 1,440 mm (56.7 inches)
Trunk Space: 310 liters (due to the battery size, reduced from non-hybrid models).
Audi A3
Length: 4,343 mm (171 inches)
Width: 1,816 mm (71.5 inches)
Height: 1,425 mm (56.1 inches)
Trunk Space: 380 liters (for non-hybrid versions).
5. Typical Defects and Issues
Mercedes A250e
Some common issues reported by owners include:
Battery and charging problems (software-related).
The transition between electric and gasoline power can be jerky at times.
Interior fit and finish issues, such as rattling or loose panels.
Audi A3
Common issues reported:
Infotainment system glitches.
Engine-related problems (particularly in older diesel models) such as turbo or fuel injector issues.
Electrical issues (e.g., with the start-stop system).
Occasional DSG (dual-clutch gearbox) problems.
6. Annual Maintenance Costs
Mercedes A250e
The plug-in hybrid system may increase maintenance complexity slightly, especially for the electric components.
Estimated Annual Cost: Around $500-$700, depending on service intervals and region.
Battery-related services or replacements (in the long term) could add extra costs, although warranties usually cover this.
Audi A3
Generally straightforward maintenance for the petrol or diesel models.
Estimated Annual Cost: Around $400-$600.
Higher performance models (like the S3) may have higher maintenance costs.
Conclusion
Mercedes A250e: If you want the ability to drive short distances in electric mode and qualify for eco-incentives, the A250e offers a well-rounded, high-tech hybrid experience. It's ideal for those who do short city commutes.
Audi A3: For traditional petrol or diesel engines, the A3 offers a more dynamic range of choices, from efficient to sporty trims. Its interior quality and long-term reliability tend to be solid, though it lacks the hybrid option (in most markets).
If you're looking for electrified driving, the Mercedes A250e wins out, but for more traditional luxury driving with petrol or diesel engines, the Audi A3 is a compelling option.
Youtube