The Audi A3 Sedan outsold the Mercedes CLA almost two to one in its first three months on the U.S. market. CLA sales have dropped in seven of the past eight months, in contrast with last year’s performance, when the four-door coupe helped Benz become the best-selling luxury automaker in the States to became the most successful new Mercedes in two decades.
The compact premium segment is very important to automakers as it targets young drivers who might become loyal to the brand for life and eventually spend six figures on a range-topping luxury sedan.
The Audi A3’s success may be due to more favorable reviews and more comprehensive standard equipment. The base A3 Sedan comes fitted with a sunroof and leather seats, while the CLA comes standard with a solid roof and faux-leather seats.
According to Bloomberg, the Audi A3 Sedan sold for an average price of about $32,530 in June, compared with $38,571 for the CLA. Both cars start at $29,900. The 2015 Audi A3 Sedan recorded its strongest month with 2,452 vehicles sold in June, its third full month in the U.S. market, almost double the CLA’s sales.
Overall, Audi sold 16,867 vehicles in June in the U.S. and 84,349 units in the first six months of the year, while Mercedes-Benz sold 151,624 vehicles in the same period. BMW leads the way in the U.S., outpacing Mercedes-Benz by more than 5,000 sales.
By Dan Mihalascu
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