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Audi A1 vs Mercedes GLS comparison

Compare performance (207 HP vs 404 HP), boot space and price (20,000 £ vs 92,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A1 or Mercedes GLS?

Audi A1 vs Mercedes GLS: Key differences

Audi A1

2.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • substantially lighter
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Mercedes GLS

  • considerably more power
  • somewhat quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A1

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Audi A1 is substantially cheaper – starting at 20,000 £ , while the Mercedes GLS costs 92,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 72,691 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A1 uses 5.2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mercedes GLS with 7.9 L/100km. The difference is about 2.7 L/100km.

GLS

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLS offers considerably more power – delivering 404 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 197 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLS is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 5.6 s, while the Audi A1 takes 6.5 s. That’s about 0.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLS delivers clearly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 430 Nm more.

A1

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Mercedes GLS offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A1 is substantially lighter – 1,175 kg compared to 2,580 kg. The difference is around 1,405 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLS offers barely more boot space – 355 L compared to 335 L. That’s a difference of about 20 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLS carries substantially more – 820 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 350 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A1 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £20,000
A1

Audi A1

  • Engine Type Petrol
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 95 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.2 - 6.4 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

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Audi A1
Mercedes GLS

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Audi A1

The Audi A1 is a compact premium hatch that wraps Audi's polished design and surprisingly grown-up cabin into a city-friendly package. It’s poised and fun to drive, a smart pick for buyers who want luxury flair without the fuss of a bigger car — and it makes tight parking feel almost enjoyable.

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Reviews Audi A1

2.4 (1 Reviews)
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Mercedes GLS

The GLS — usually just called the GLS — is Mercedes' flagship SUV, wrapping limousine-like comfort and commanding road presence into a smart, family-ready package. It pampers occupants with a hushed cabin, premium materials and intuitive tech, while still managing to feel confident and a little indulgent on the daily commute.

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Reviews Mercedes GLS

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Frequently compared as well

Audi A1
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Choosing between the A1 and the Q2 comes down to whether you want a nimble city hatchback or a taller compact crossover with more space. The A1 is built for sharp handling, efficiency and style in tight urban settings, while the Q2 delivers a higher driving position, extra practicality and a more …
Audi A1
VW T-Cross
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VW T-Roc
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Renault Clio
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Audi A1
Mercedes GLS

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,000 - 28,800 £
Price
92,700 - 104,600 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 6.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
7.9 - 9.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
118 - 146 g/km
co2
206 - 226 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,175 - 1,365 kg
Curb weight
2,580 - 2,670 kg
Trunk capacity
335 L
Trunk capacity
355 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,740 - 1,756 mm
Width
1,956 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 470 kg
Payload
810 - 820 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 207 HP
Power HP
336 - 404 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 11.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
175 - 320 Nm
Torque
560 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
6
Power kW
70 - 152 kW
Power kW
247 - 297 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 2,999 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Audi A1 have?

The Audi A1 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.