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Audi A3 Sportback vs Mercedes GLA - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (400 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (27000 £ vs 38800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Mercedes GLA?

Audi A3 Sportback

Mercedes GLA

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate

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

A3 Sportback

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Audi A3 Sportback has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 27000 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11836 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.90 L. The difference is about 1.80 L per 100 km.

As for electric range, the Audi A3 Sportback performs significantly better – achieving up to 141 km, about 67 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA has a barely noticeable edge – offering 421 HP compared to 400 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 3.80 s, while the Mercedes GLA takes 4.30 s. That’s about 0.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLA performs slightly better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Audi A3 Sportback tops out at 237 km/h. The difference is around 33 km/h.

Both models offer the same torque – 500 Nm.

A3 Sportback

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is to a small extent lighter – 1360 kg compared to 1570 kg. The difference is around 210 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers slightly more room – 435 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 55 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLA performs distinct better – up to 1430 L, which is about 330 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes GLA minimal takes the win – 500 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A3 Sportback holds a decisive overall lead 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.

Audi A3 Sportback
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £27,000
A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 9.3 L
  • Electric Range : 134 - 141 km

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

details

Mercedes GLA

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate

The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.

details
Audi A3 Sportback
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

Price
27000 - 56600 £
Price
38800 - 75300 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
Curb weight
1570 - 1810 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
4352 - 4353 mm
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Height
1441 - 1470 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 L
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
225 - 237 km/h
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.