Acura Integra Type S Pricing is More Than a Mercedes AMG CLA and BMW M240i, For Some Reason
With pre-orders for the 2023 Acura Integra Type S opening on May 11th, pricing for Acura’s new sports car is now available. Surprising no one, the new Acura costs more than the Civic Type-R. Surprising everyone, it also costs more than a Mercedes-AMG CLA, Audi S3, and BMW M240i. And while the Integra Type S is likely to be great, is it really better than its European rivals?
Integra Type S pricing above European rivals with more performance
At its core, the Acura Integra Type S is a performance car, and its pricing above the standard Integra bears that out. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 320 horsepower, it’s got a good bit of grunt to work with. And since it’s based on the lauded Civic Type R, it also has the handling chops to make the best of a front-wheel drive layout.
All of that is to be expected, and of course, it comes at a price. But at over $51,000 for the most basic model, the Integra Type S pricing rakes in over $7,000 more than its Honda cousin. That’s a lot of scratch for the same car with an upgraded interior and a staggering five extra horsepower.
Moreover, the Type S puts a bigger dent in your bank account than the BMW M240i. And that’s a rear-drive, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder luxury sports coupe offering 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That package checks in at just under $49,000 and is, without doubt, a lot more performance car for the money.
Looking for a four-door sport luxury car instead? The AMG CLA-35 bests Acura Integra Type S pricing by about $1,000. Not much difference, sure, but it comes with an interior that is beyond luxurious and a style all its own.
Finally, there is the all-wheel drive Audi S3. For just shy of $48,000, it delivers all-wheel drive confidence and a luxurious interior easily on par with the Integra Type S. And while the 306-horsepower engine is off of what comes in the Acura, Quattro sends the S3 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds in Car and Driver testing.
The one area where the Integra has the edge? It’s the only one of these options available with a manual.
Dealer markups may harm appeal
The high price tag of the new Integra Type S may be palatable for many sports car buyers. However, if the new Acura has the same type of dealer markups seen at the release of the Civic Type-R, it may be a hard sell for many. When that model debuted in 2022, dealership markups ranged from $5,000 to $25,000, according to MotorTrend.
A similar story came with the new GR Corolla, and it priced the $35,000 hatchback well beyond the budget of many interested buyers. Considering the already elevated sticker on the Type S, similar markups would put it in a territory with the Porsche Cayman, BMW M2, and AMG C43.
The Integra Type S will be special regardless of price
All that said, there is no doubt that the Acura Integra Type S will be special, even at premium pricing. It’s just unfortunate that a car celebrating the heritage of affordable sports cars is above the reach of many middle-class enthusiasts.
