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Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Audi S8

What's the difference?

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Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$59,800 - $125,000

2023 price

Audi S8
Audi S8

$149,900 - $149,900

2021 price

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
2021 Audi S8
Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L
Fuel Type
-

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
-

10.2L/100km (combined)
Seating
-

5
Dislikes
  • Engine lacks drama expected from AMG
  • Ride feels unresolved
  • Big price jump over old model

  • Tricky to find a space big enough
  • Pricey
  • Short warranty
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Summary

Think of a Mercedes-AMG and the first words that spring to mind are probably not - understated, efficient and restrained. And yet those are probably the best words to describe the all-new C 43.

Of course, before we go any further it’s important to note that the C 43, even in its previous six-cylinder guise, was never meant to be as wild, raucous or powerful as the C63 flagship - that’s simply not its role in the AMG line-up.

But even so, this new model is a dive into fresh territory for the brand and puts a very different spin on the AMG sports sedan as we know it.

This is a four-cylinder model, complete with a Formula One-derived electric turbocharger, so it lacks the sound and fury you expect from something carrying the ‘AMG’ badge - but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, as we’ll explain.

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2021 Audi S8 Summary

Big sedans are not in vogue at the moment and huge luxury sedans were on the way down before the humble Commodore and Falcon departed the upper end of the sales charts. The Germans, who have always done a spectacular job of these flagship sedans, cheerfully persist with these cars.

Absolutely loaded with fascinating technology that bleeds its way down to the more mainstream models, they represent the zenith of the brand's innovation and style. The A8 is certainly that.

What it isn't, is particularly sporty, but after two years since its launch, V8 power has reached the fourth-generation super-sedan to deliver the latest iteration of the iconic S8.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021 Audi S8

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