CLA, A3, Polestar 2, V60 — Which Costs Less?

Mercedes CLA EV, Audi A3, a used Polestar 2, and a used Volvo V60 diesel — which of these four very different cars costs the least per month? Alriks Bilar has done a detailed calculation comparing both buying and leasing, and the results are surprising. The new Mercedes CLA is available for leasing from 4,695 SEK/mo (promotional price for the first year, standard 5,995 SEK/mo).<h2>Alriks Bilar's cost comparison — honest and detailed</h2>Alriks Bilar, one of Sweden's most respected YouTubers covering car economics, compares four cars from completely different price classes and powertrains in a new video. It's exactly the kind of honest, numbers-heavy analysis that makes Alriks' channel so valuable — he calculates real costs including capital, tax, insurance, service, tires, depreciation, and fuel. Watch the full video for all the details — our summary can't do his meticulous work full justice.<h2>The four cars in the comparison</h2>Alrik has chosen four cars representing completely different strategies for car buying and leasing:<ul><li>Mercedes CLA EV (new): Brand-new electric CLA with 800V technology, up to 778 km range (WLTP), priced from 559,000 SEK. Leasing from 4,695 SEK/mo (promotional).</li><li>Audi A3 (new): Classic premium compact, available for leasing.</li><li>Polestar 2 (used): A used Polestar 2 for 339,000 SEK — representing the strategy of buying a used EV.</li><li>Volvo V60 diesel (used): A used Volvo V60 for 250,000 SEK — representing the classic fossil-powered alternative.</li></ul><h2>What do these cars actually cost per month?</h2>What makes Alrik's calculations unique is that he accounts for all costs — not just the lease payment or loan. His model includes capital cost (4.5%), tax, insurance, service, winter tires, depreciation, and fuel. Watch the video to see exactly which car comes out cheapest — the answer isn't obvious.A key insight is that leasing often beats buying when it comes to cars with rapid depreciation. EVs and plug-in hybrids often lose more value than leasing companies' residual values suggest, meaning you as a private buyer take on greater risk when purchasing.<h2>Mercedes CLA EV — impressive tech with limitations</h2>The new Mercedes CLA has received enormous attention as one of the year's most exciting EVs. The specs are impressive:<ul><li>Battery: 85 kWh net, 800V architecture</li><li>Range: up to 778 km (WLTP), CLA 200: 532 km</li><li>Fast charging: up to 320 kW DC</li><li>Power: CLA 250+: 272 hp, CLA 350 4MATIC: 354 hp</li><li>Price: CLA 200 from 559,000 SEK, CLA 250+ from 633,000 SEK</li><li>Leasing: from 5,995 SEK/mo (promotional 4,695 SEK/mo first year)</li></ul>But there's an important limitation: the CLA cannot fast-charge at 400V stations without an adapter (costs about 7,000 SEK extra). In Sweden, where many chargers are still 400V, that's a real drawback. Tests also show the cabin is cramped and rear headroom is limited.<h2>Who wins the cost league?</h2>Alrik's conclusions show that the 2026 car market has turned old assumptions upside down. A brand-new premium car on a lease can cost less per month than a used car you buy outright — depending on model and market conditions. That's because leasing eliminates depreciation risk, and leasing companies sometimes subsidize pricing to move cars.Watch the full Alriks Bilar video for all the numbers and his personal verdict — it's one of the best cost comparisons we've seen for anyone considering their next car.<h2>Leasing alternatives in the same segment</h2>If you're considering a premium car lease, here are some current deals:<ul><li>Mercedes CLA EV: from 4,695 SEK/mo (promo) / 5,995 SEK/mo standard</li><li>Polestar 2: from 5,495 SEK/mo</li><li>Tesla Model Y: from 4,995 SEK/mo</li><li>BMW iX1: from approx. 5,500 SEK/mo</li><li>Kia EV4: from 4,995 SEK/mo</li></ul>Compare all leasing deals and calculate your total monthly cost on privatleasa.se.

CLA, A3, Polestar 2, V60 — Which Costs Less?

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