Mahindra XUV3XO vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
What's the difference?

Mahindra XUV3XO

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2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz CLA

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2020 price

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Summary

2026 Mahindra XUV3XO

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA

By Jack Quick

By Tung Nguyen

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Twin Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

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7.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

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Likes

Eye-popping starting price
Lots of standard kit
Fun, peppy three-cylinder turbo engine

Quick pace
Engaging dynamics
Premium interior

Dislikes

Too much piano black inside
No steering wheel reach adjustment
Overbearing lane-keep assist

Harsh ride
Limited rear-seat room
Divisive styling

2026 Mahindra XUV3XO Summary

Mahindra has long been known as a tractor brand and a maker of rugged utes and SUVs, but it’s now dipping its toe into Australia's light SUV segment.

The MY25 Mahindra XUV 3XO marks a further shift in the Indian brand’s local focus from rural and regional to metropolitan.

This tiny SUV goes up against some stiff competition including the Chery Tiggo 4, Hyundai Venue and Kia Stonic, among others. However, the Indian-made SUV holds a specific title that’ll make it stand out among the crowd.

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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Summary

Mercedes has long been the leader in niche filling, and we’d argue that no other model encapsulates that more than the CLA four-door coupe.

Now in its second-generation form, the CLA is based on Mercedes’ MFA2 small car platform that also underpins the A-Class small car range, B-Class tallboy hatchback and GLA crossover, but is actually dimensionally longer than the one-size up C-Class.

However, while the C-Class might offer more conventional styling, Mercedes says the CLA is targeted towards a younger demographic that puts more weight on design and aesthetics.

The previous generation CLA was topped by a hardcore 45 version, which makes a return here, but new this time around is the less-potent, but still AMG-badged, 35 variant to plug the gap between mainstream grades and the range-topper.

After living with the car for a week, here are our thoughts on the new baby AMG CLA.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mahindra XUV3XO 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Verdict

The fact this is Australia’s cheapest SUV is a massive feat for the Indian brand. It also has so much standard kit so this is even more surprising.

In many ways the XUV 3XO is better to drive than its rivals. The three-cylinder turbo engine has plenty of charm and moves this car along with ease, the car feels confident and composed out on the open road, and there aren’t any bings and bongs from intrusive safety systems.

However, things aren’t perfect. I wish the steering column offered reach adjustment, the steering feel wasn’t so inconsistent and the lane-keep assist wasn’t so hands-on.

If you can overlook these quibbles, this tiny Mahindra is an outstanding value buy if you’re considering a first new car.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

Is the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 the perfect choice in the sleek sedan’s line-up?

Well, if you are after outright performance, then the answer still clearly lies with the CLA 45. But for those that just want a little more pep compared to the standard CLA range, the 35 is undoubtedly the one to get.

It’s not without its flaws, though, commanding a $15,000 price premium over the CLA 250 and a tougher-than-we’d-like ride, but if you value a more engaging drive and a brisk 0-100km/h time, the CLA 35 should definitely be on your shopping list.

Mahindra XUV3XO vs Mercedes-Benz CLA What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra XUV3XO vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
What's the difference?