As of right now, the fight for supremacy in the compact premium segment is so intense, it’s hard to separate the top three contenders. This is precisely why even the smallest advantage counts.
One could argue that the Audi A3 actually has the biggest advantage, because it’s the most versatile model of the bunch. The A-Class only offers customers two choices (sort of) – you either go for one of the regular models, or convince the wife and get the A 45 AMG bruiser. The BMW 1 Series is more diversified but overall pales in comparison to what Audi has created from their A3 line-up.
Here’s how it looks: A3/S3 hatchback 3dr & 5dr, A3/S3 Sedan, RS3, A3/S3 Cabrio, plus the e-tron and g-tron versions. In total, that 11 different Audi A3 versions you can choose from! The fact that the A3 is the best-selling car in its class comes as no surprise – though as you can see, it’s not exactly a fair fight.
Even so, both the A-Class and the 1 Series are finding owners at a phenomenal pace; even more so the A-Class which is basically neck and neck with the BMW, while basically only having one version to choose from.
Should this come as a surprise to anybody? The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is arguably the best looking of the bunch, despite its more than just subtle facelift, which wasn’t necessarily needed, visually speaking.
If you live in Europe, specifically in and around major cities, you’ll notice a whole bunch of A-Class Mercs in every intersection. Yes, that’s an exaggeration, but go to Paris for example, and that’s actually what it will seem like.